Many Christians are sitting on the sidelines instead of getting involved in the struggle on the field of life. As the church of Jesus Christ, we are involved in a challenge on planet earth. And we do not need critics on the sidelines, we need people in the game. Matthew 28:19-20 says, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This the basic task with which the church should concern itself with. More Christians, better Christians - that is what Christ is doing on earth. But accomplishing that demands Christians who serve. At times, parts on a car fail to function as they were designed. Sometimes it is only inconvenient, other times the car no longer works. The same is true in the body of Christ. Each part needs to do its work for the church to function as God intended it. I want to challenge you to participate in the work of Christ on earth.

The people of the church are supposed to be doing the work of the church. Christ gave gifts to people (vs. 7) to enable them to serve him. Gifted leaders were given to the church (vs. 11). Their purpose is equipping the people of the church for works of service, so that the church would develop and become mature (vs. 12). We are to develop and to grow together, as a group, under our head, Christ (vss. 13-16). Service is designed for the growth of the body (size and quality), not for the running of an organization! Most service should contribute directly to the bottom line, not to overhead. Growing up spiritually involves knowing and believing the truth of Christ (vss. 14-15). Note the repetition of words of deceit. We are to know the truth so we can avoid being deceived. Each one is to do his or her part, to fulfill the assigned role (vs. 16). Are you doing your part?

On a Super Bowl football team, everyone must do their part to the highest level. Not everyone has the same level of prominence (like the quarterback), but everyone has an important role to play. If some, even the so-called "minor" parts, don't do their job, it spells disaster for the whole team.

Serving leads to maturity both in yourself and in others. If you want to be a mature Christian in a maturing church, get involved in serving. If you want to be a baby Christian in a baby church, let someone else serve.

Serving is for the benefit of others, but you will receive a benefit by serving (provided your focus is in the right place). Humility and unity are required components of serving in the body of Christ (vss. 2-3). There is no room for pride, self-promotion, or selfishness. In Mark 10:42-45, Jesus said that to be great, one must be a servant. That is what Jesus did.

"During the American Revolution a man in civilian clothes rode past a group of soldiers repairing a small defensive barrier. their leader was shouting instructions, but making no attempt to help them. Asked why by the rider, he retorted with great dignity, "Sir, I am a corporal!" The stranger apologized, dismounted, and proceeded to help the exhausted soldiers. The job done, he turned to the corporal and said, "Mr. Corporal, next time you have a job like this and not enough men to do it, go to your commander-in-chief, and I will come and help you again." It was none other than George Washington." (Today in the Word, March 6, 1991).

There are many reasons (excuses) why people do not serve Christ and others: Some feel they are too important to serve. Some fear being criticized or failing; some don't think they are ood enough; other have too little time (a question of priorities); others are selfish; still others prefer to criticize others.

Moses made several excuses when God asked him to deliver Israel from Egypt. Note this: in Exodus 3:8, God was coming down to do something about their situation. In verse 10, he was sending Moses. God works through people. Moses' excuses and God's responses:

3:13 - Perceived inadequacy of God (as though the situation is too difficult - "what makes us think this God can help us?"): God is, well, God, the Great I AM, the creator and sustainer of heaven and earth!

It is ironic that Moses was so reluctant now, when years earlier, he seemed ready for a revolution. Note his desire for justice and action in ch. 2 - be careful of self-directed activity on behalf of God just because you want results. Do things God's way, and in God's time.

Specific ways to serve - Official: Servant development ministry team; kid's ministry (team); small groups (leaders, hosts, apprentice leaders); prayer ministries; hospitality (greeters, meals, visitation); financially. Unofficial: meet someone's need - financially, relationally, spiritually (encouragement, support). If you could serve the church in any way you desire, what would it be? Consider your spiritual gifts, passion, experience, and opportunities.

Don McCullough writes in Waking From The American Dream: "During World War II, England needed to increase its production of coal. Winston Churchill called together labor leaders to enlist their support. At the end of his presentation he asked them to picture in their minds a parade which he knew would be held in Picadilly Circus after the war. First, he said, would come the sailors who had kept the vital sea lanes open. Then would come the soldiers who had come home from Dunkirk and then gone on to defeat Rommel in Africa. Then would come the pilots who had driven the Luftwaffe from the sky. "Last of all, he said, would come a long line of sweat-stained, soot-streaked men in miner's caps. Someone would cry from the crowd, `And where were you during the critical days of our struggle?' And from ten thousand throats would come the answer, `We were deep in the earth with our faces to the coal.'"

We don't need people who are looking for perks and prominence, the kingdom of God needs people who will put their faces to the coal, doing jobs nobody else wants to do. The kingdom of God needs servants like you.