I ran across an interesting quote from D.L. Moody: "A great many people have got a false idea about the church. They have got an idea that the church is a place to rest in... to get into a nicely cushioned pew, and contribute to the charities, listen to the minister, and do their share to keep the church out of bankruptcy, is all they want. The idea of work for them - actual work in the church - never enters their minds."

I always try to look for and believe the best in people, but I have come to realize that there is some legitimacy to Moody's statement. There are some Christians (how few or how many varies from congregation to congregation) who have never entertained the idea of contributing their time, talents, and efforts to the work of the local church. At best, the work of the church continues in spite of them. At worst, the church is dead, in part, because of them.

The Bible tells us that the local church is not designed by God to function on the efforts of just a few members. Notice Paul's instructions to the church in Ephesus: "from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love" (Ephesians 4:16, emphasis mine - HR). The local church is made up of members who have different talents and abilities. Every member supplies something to the edification of the church. Every member is to do their share and not try to coast into Heaven on the efforts of the few. You have talents and abilities, and these talents and abilities are needed.

There is always work in which Christians need to be engaged. The building does not clean itself, communion does not prepare itself, the tract rack does not fill itself, Bible classes do not teach themselves, etc. We can be encouraging those who lead in services, inviting neighbors and coworkers to attend services, praying for those who are sick, creating opportunities to serve others. We all have talents and abilities. We need to find out what they are and use them as opposed to burying them and awaiting a harsh judgment from the Lord (Matthew 25:14-30).

Perhaps you are one of these people who have never really considered doing actual work in the local church. Please give it some thought. There are many brethren here who do many things, but we can always use your help. Let the elders know that you are ready and willing to be put to work. Remember the admonition of James 1:22 - "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."