Shaun Groves
If our church is average then no more than twenty percent of us drop something in the offering plate regularly. Twenty percent of us teach a class, help out at the food pantry, set up the chairs on Sunday morning, fix stuff when it breaks or serve the community in some other tangible way every week. Twenty percent.
I’m not the pastor. But six times a year I’m the substitute. Again and again I’ve used that opportunity to try to make my friends give to God and each other.
And it doesn’t work. Well, sure, the offering may go up for a week. A couple people may sign up for this or that. But the change is short lived and the new volunteers, I fear, may feel more bullied by me than cheerful about their new positions.
So I’m not doing that anymore. Instead, I’m committed to proving God’s mercy and providing opportunity. And that’s all.
Proving God’s Mercy
In Romans 12 Paul begins…
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. (NIV)
“Therefore.” So I back up to Romans 11 and read as Paul details God’s mercy:
- When you killed His prophets and destroyed their altars and stopped worshipping Him, did God reject you? “By no means,” Paul says. (v 1)
- Was your fall so hard that you’ll never get back up? “Not at all!” Paul writes. (v 11)
- God is giving life to the dead, to all people! (v 11-15)
- Consider God’s kindness! (v 22)
- God has shown you mercy! (v 28-32)
Providing Opportunity
Then Paul writes the first lines of Romans 12: in view of God’s mercy we’re to give our whole self in service to God.
There’s a clever use of plural and singular nouns going on here that gives me hope for our church and yours. Paul actually says what in modern English would be something like “Every one of you offer your individual selves as one big singular sacrifice to God.”
All of us are capable of sacrifice with God’s mercy in view.
Paul says this kind of collective all-in sacrifice is an “act of worship” – the original Greek word is “latreia” and it was often used to describe the kind of work servants did, slave labor, menial work.
When God’s mercy comes into view, the stuff no one used to do gets done…cheerfully. When God’s mercy comes into view, the should do’s become want to’s. When God’s mercy comes into view, needs become opportunities to worship together.
So I’m trying – and it’s not easy – to focus most of my energy on giving our church a clearer more constant view of God’s mercy. And then our pastor – who already does a great job of this – can let us know what opportunities are out there. And then, I’m praying, someday all of us will worship together…not just twenty percent.
Kristie says:
I just thought it started with a daddy and a mommy….
Shelley says:
I know. me too Kristie. I think we were tricked into reading this under false pretenses…….. 🙂
JessicaB says:
This past year, I’ve increasingly come to a place where, I’m also tired of trying to smooth talk people into doing what we should all be doing if we’re Christians. And have decided to just do what I can do. Worry about me. Lead by example.
For instance : Instead of organizing the whole church to bring gifts for local kids at christmas – kids they’ll never actually interact with – I’m just going to find a family that i can personally connect with, and help them as I can.
Because I don’t think God can refine you much from an experience that doesn’t personally connect you to a person. Which is the flaw I see in donating cans to your church that they’ll later take to a food bank, etc. Sure, it still does some good to the recipient, I suppose. But, in that format, I don’t think it does much spiritually for the giver. People change people. Experiences change people, and inspire people to want to give.
Um. I’ve just become aware of my own babbling and rabbit trailing. Soapbox! Sorry.
So, in conclusion… Here, here?
Shaun Groves says:
What it does for the giver isn’t top priority for me. Is that wrong of me?
JessicaB says:
Maybe. 🙂 You know what I mean though. Don’t you just wish more Christians shared your vision for connecting and helping the least?
JessicaB says:
I think I meant “connecting to”. Ugh. My brain is fried today.
My point is, a whole lot more giving might happen, if the givers can get on board with God’s passion for mercy and “the least”, and that’s not going to happen without a spiritual awakening in their own lives, most likely something that actually connects them to a poor and hurting person. Like when you first went overseas with Compassion and God changed your heart. And taking a can of green beans to a church doesn’t do that. It’s too abstract. It mostly likely doesn’t take anything spiritually from a person. (Don’t know why I’m sticking with the can food example). And God cares as much for both parties, right? Giver and getter. And wants the givers to get a giving clue.
Okay, I’m just going to stop now. Seriously. Brain. Fried.
CardsFan says:
I like the use of Romans 11 to provide summary context to God’s mercy, but most commentaries I have read point to the reflection (“therefore”) being to the first 11 chapters. I think of the first 3 chapters that indicate that heathen Gentiles (like me!!) have no claim to righteousness, Jews that should have known better have no claim to righteousness, so we are all justly deserving of God’s righteous wrath.
In fact, as Paul continues, we deserve death – eternal torment and separation from God. But … in an unexplainable (by human minds) act of mercy, God sent Jesus to take our punishment and clothe us in his righteousness, which the Holy Spirit is molding us into every day. We simply must confess Jesus as Lord and believe in His resurrection (Rom 10:9).
THEREFORE, having received such an amazing gift … one that I don’t think we fully understand or always appreciate … why wouldn’t we:
1. live rightly before God (v.1)
2. live rightly with the world (cosmos) (v.2)
3. live rightly with ourselves – thinking no better or worse of ourselves than God does (v. 3-8)
4. live rightly with other believers – meeting every need from our gifts of money, time, and spiritual gifts (v. 9-13)
5. live rightly with nonbelievers (v. 14+).
Our response to the needs of the world, our own needs, our church’s needs, and other people’s needs are all driven by how our hearts are changed and rightly related toward God.
Chip Ingram has written a very good book on this very topic called “Living on the Edge”.
cshell says:
“Our response to the needs of the world, our own needs, our church’s needs, and other people’s needs are all driven by how our HEARTS are changed and rightly related toward God.”
For me, this is what it’s all about. I’m just learning this and having my heart “changed”, but it’s changing.
Shaun Groves says:
Great detail! Thanks for that.
Michelle ~ Blogging from the Boonies says:
You know, I just LOVE when God does this…. Of all of the Bible verses, it is Romans 12 that has been on my mind over the last few days. I even blogged about it yesterday. To come to this post and see you referencing it, though for different reasons, is like conviction to my heart.
Along the lines of what you’re talking about, I find that I really have to guard my heart. I can easily get pretty judgemental when I see how many skip the offering basket (why do I even look?) or come to church and never actually participate in anything besides listening to the message. I teach Sunday school, clean up all of the kids rooms, clean the bathrooms while my hubby plows and shovels the snow, empties all of the garbages…. We dedicate so much time to our church and various ministries and then I find myself judging others who do nothing. Where is the mercy and grace in that? So I just pray that *I* can be a cheerful servant who is doing it out if genuine reasons not compare myself to anyone. I will echo you, it isn’t easy. Praying every day for Jesus to make me more like Him.
Erin says:
Yes, ma’am. I LOVE this! Why are we looking at what other people are doing? We can’t make them or change them. As Shaun says, let the pastor or other leaders present the opportunities, and then it’s up to me to be a cheerful servant, as you mentioned, and pray that others join in.
Benjer McVeigh says:
People can only give once they understand what they’ve been given. And when we realize that we’ve been given our very lives, we can do no other than offer everything we have. Great post.
Matt McNutt says:
Great response.
Jen~Beautiful Mess says:
Contemplating! Thank you!
Emily Joyce says:
There’s not much I can add to this and the many other wonderful comments except, Amen! I understand your frustration, but I am grateful for a powerful God who can use His church in spite of itself. He can use me in spite of myself, and that’s saying a lot! Thanks for this reminder Shawn.
MJ says:
I’ll be a voice for the weary.
Having finally summoned the courage to go to the “House of Judgement” because my spirit was so thirsty that it was worth the judgement, I was overwhelmed by the greeting of “what can you do for us, for the church?” under the guise of “what are you going to do for God?” and the guilt that “there is only room for you at this table if you are here to serve”
You are right, everyone needs to do their part, but from the comfort of your circumstance maybe you can’t see, let alone feel, the desperate need of folks who need “their feet washed” , need the rest promised in “come all you who are weary”,before they can even contemplate finding something to “give”
JR says:
I don’t think this message is meant for the spiritually weary and dry because of a difficult time in their lives. In fact, Christ himself took time away to be with the Father and become refreshed instead of “doing.” But once He was refreshed, He got back to working for God and others. It’s those who have been loved and fed and refreshed and even had their feet washed who then need to come to a time when they’re providing this back for others. Undoubtedly, we all go through times when it is difficult to lift our heads, but once we’re able to do so, we should be the ones who are so grateful for the Father’s mercy and grace that we can encourage others just as we’ve been encouraged.
Just as I have been encouraged, I pray that you are encouraged. May God grant you peace and strength during this time.
Megan @ Faith Like Mustard says:
I’m coming from the perspective of a minister’s wife…
It is very discouraging for those who are serving, serving, serving and encouraging, encouraging, encouraging just to see others kickin’ back and asking “What can the church do for me?” when the church actually exists to serve God and others.
I *do* understand what you are saying. I have to step away from service sometimes in order to be refilled, but I refill so that I can continue serving. Too many people end up using weariness as an excuse, though. Sometimes, you just have to jump in. I can promise you, there are many, many ministers in this country who are weary but don’t have the luxury of rest or “getting their feet washed” before being asked to “give.”
Cathy says:
I’ve been in both places… among the 20% for many years, wife of a minister and often begging for volunteers, but right now I’m among the weary and dry. My main ministry focus happens to be outside of the church right now (as a foster parent), and that’s okay. I don’t neglect my church, but God has called me to a different ministry right now. I don’t think Shaun’s message was coming from a place of judgment at all, but I know there often is so much judgment to be found when one steps back for a time. It breaks my heart that MJ feels like church is a place of judgment. Sadly, I know many churches where that is the case.
I’m finally at a place in my life where I understand that I’m supposed to say “Yes” to God, and sometimes that means saying “No” to people. Sometimes the response is a merciful, “I understand” and other times the response is, “I’ll pray that you get where God wants you to be so you can do your part.” I think we need to view the world from this message of mercy. Jesus has mercy on me. The very least I can do is have mercy for others.
Matt says:
Amen Shaun. Great word for us. In view of God’s mercy serve him. What a merciful God he is.
Matt McNutt says:
Amen Shaun. Great word for us.
Thomas Dalke says:
I don’t think how is always the question that needs to be asked but rather in what way? God has spiritually equiped everyone who believes in Jesus Christ the Lord to serve Him and the church with spiritual gifts and talents. Therefore providing genuine oppurtunities for using these will invigorate any believer’s faith into action.
Though clearly there is still a blessing for even taking on the seemingly most meniale of tasks in serving each other as the Lord Jesus said in John’s gospel. “You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. “Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” John 13:14-17NKJ
So with that where do I sign up. I’m ready, willing, and able to serve in any church in any capacity.
Susan says:
I am so blessed and encouraged today by Shaun and all of the comments posted! As a leader in my church it is my role to ask others to help with teaching, serving, etc. Sometimes it is very discouraging. I agree that we need to keep our hearts in check. And that if they say “no”, they are saying “no to God” and not to me. I try very hard not to take it personally. Without a “heart change,” people won’t get it, that God wants us to sacrifice our time, talents to serve others and not just ourselves.
Adam says:
If we give out of a selfish motive, we have minimized the capacity God has for the funds He has entrusted to us. Our motivation must be to give for the glorifying of God, if our greatest desire is to bring honor and glory to God, giving is just a small part of that. It brings us joy to fulfill the role to which we are called, when we truly understand and grasp what that role is. Just like a job “well done” and the feeling that follows, so follows (but to a much greater degree) the feeling of fulfilling different parts of the whole of bringing God the glory that is due Him through our actions.
Good stuff Shaun!
Kevin says:
Great post, Shaun. The idea of focusing on how God can use me as opposed to how I can change others is so true.
So if you consider yourself a “mom blogger,” and I like your blog, what does that say about me?
Kevin says:
Right on, Shaun.
If we all shifted our focus from trying to change others to how God can use us, this world would be much different.
BTW, if you consider yourself to be a “mom blogger,” and I like your blog, what does that make me?