If I had a bucket list I would have put white water rafting on my list and I would have been able to check it o◊my list this past July 4. I will have to say that although it was fun, it did not quite satisfy my taste buds for adventure the way I hoped it would. I think this is partly due to the fact that I got stuck in the middle of the raft without a paddle. I was just along for the ride and I didn’t really have a part in making this adventure happen.
I have to confess that I was envious of those who sat on the side, dipping their paddles into the churning water. The guide even bragged on ’em. Said they were some of the best paddlers he has had on his raft. Said they were much better than the last group of “pansy tourists.” Of course that was not a compliment to me because I just sat there in the middle.
Our Father gave us a thirst for adventure and a desire to be active in accomplishing something bigger than ourselves. I think the reason that some church people are bored is because they might just be sitting there along for the ride. Or if there is any activity it may just be busy work that really accomplishes nothing for the kingdom.
In kingdom work, our paddle to pick up is spiritual gifts. He gave some gifts of teaching, some gifts of service, others gifts of healing, some gifts of prophecy and there are several other gifts mentioned in the Bible. These gifts are for building up the body of Christ.
Could it be that we mayhave lost enthusiasm for kingdom work because we are not picking up our spiritual gifting and using it? Or we may not be using it where we need to use it.
For example, if you are gifted as an evangelist, you may grow tired of preaching the gospel to Christians who are already saved. If you have a gift of service, you may be growing bored with acts of service that seem to be more busy work rather than needed work that is building up the body of Christ. If you have been anointed with a gift of healing you may be chomping at the bit to lay hands on and pray for the sick. But if you do not look for opportunities you won’t be using your gifts and you will not have the satisfaction of serving.
On this rafting trip, the guide said to not dip your paddle into the water until he says so. Jesus has told us to go ahead and dip our paddles into the water. He is calling on all of us in his body to use our gifts. He is calling us to the rewarding mission of building his Kingdom. That is really the only thing I have on my bucket list. Seek fi rst the Kingdom of God. That is a trip and adventure worth investing in.
◊◊◊
Editor’s note: Tim Wallace is pastor of Cross Brand Church. To contact him, e-mail [email protected].
For more of Tim’s articles, go to www.tallinthesaddle.
wordpress.org
Church, Pages 2 on 09/04/2013