Realize Our Commitment With Our Participation
It is one thing to say we believe in God’s vision; it is quite another to participate in the vision that God is giving us. In my years of ministry, the people with the most complaints were invariably the people who were the least involved in the church's work. Do you know why that is? Those who sit on the sidelines and don’t roll up their sleeves and help to fulfill the vision cannot focus on what God is doing in our midst.
ave you heard of the Pareto Principle or the 80/20 Rule? This concept, named after Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto, suggests that roughly 80% of effects come from 20% of causes. In the church context, 20% of people often contribute to 80% of the work in each church or faith-based organization. What could happen more were engaged and alive.
I love college football, and now that I live in Columbus, Ohio, I have succumbed to Buckeye fever. Now, let me digress for a moment. At any given time on the playing field, there will be 11 players: 11 for offense and 11 for defense. Meanwhile, there could be 50 or more not playing; they are “sitting on the sidelines.” What if they only played the same 11 players for offense and defense? That is an example of the Pareto Principle. Eleven players are beating their brains out on the field while 50 or more are resting on the sideline.
Renewing our vision involves getting off the sidelines and into the game. There are no armchair quarterbacks allowed on God’s ball field. And if I don’t participate in God’s plan, I cannot expect to hear a word from God.
The coach doesn’t share his strategies with people who aren’t playing the game, and similarly, God doesn’t communicate with those who aren’t willing to help the church achieve its goals. If you’re feeling stuck in your spiritual journey, it might be because you've been watching from the sidelines far too long. The issue is that often, a few people end up doing all the work while many others choose not to get involved.
I want to encourage those not participating in church activities to start getting involved today. It's not fair to rely on others to do everything while you stand by. We all have a role, and God expects us to act. If everyone in the church found their own way to contribute and put in their best effort, we would see amazing growth and renewal. When each of us gets involved, three beautiful things will happen.
If we commit to being involved and participating
…OUR CHURCH WILL GROW SPIRITUALLY
The mission that Jesus gave us includes ongoing spiritual growth. We're not just meant to help people find faith in Christ; we are also responsible for guiding and teaching them – in other words, disciple them. When each of us plays our part, we create a community of devoted followers who are deepening their relationship with God. This enthusiasm can spread easily when we share God's purpose.
…OUR CHURCH WILL GROW NUMERICALLY
It is God’s vision that the church grows numerically. Over and over again throughout the book of Acts, God records for us the numerical growth of the church. I always find it ironic when people say they prefer a small church because I can’t find a church like that in the Bible! A church that is in tune with God is growing – in fact, if a church is not experiencing numerical growth, there has to be something wrong. With each one of us participating, this will happen.
…OUR CHURCH WILL GROW FINANCIALLY
It is impossible to experience spiritual renewal if we are not giving financially to God’s work. As each person gives 10% or more of their income as God has instructed, the church will be blessed as a whole, and each individual will also be blessed. This is God’s plan and a part of His vision for the church – and when God is behind it we know that is going to work.
Conclusion:
God has called us – all of us – to fulfill the dream that He has placed in our hearts to win people to Christ and to disciple them to maturity. If you don’t dream that dream on a regular basis, you’re in need of personal renewal, and God will give it to you if you follow the steps given today.