The relationship people have with their church is kind of funny. I've been at churches where no one had any opinions about someone's desire to start a service project or create a new Bible study, but as soon as you talked about changing the color paint in a room they went berserk! It kind of highlights where priorities lay, doesn't it?
There are many, many church communities full of well-intentioned individuals who have hard opinions on the part of religion they consume, but are suddenly opinionless when it comes to the work to be performed. They are very concerned about the look of the sanctuary or how brief the pastor can be when he talks, but they're not so concerned with how active service ministries are in the church or where they can give up some time and energy to support a ministry. This paints the picture of an individual who is highly motivated by the aspects of Christianity they can consume, but not terribly motivated by what they can do.
In 2 Thessalonians, Paul writes this...
7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” (2 Thess 3:7-10)
We all go through seasons of doing and seasons of growing. Sometimes in a season of growth, our "doing" may be reduced significantly so we can recharge and prepare for the next mission field. The important thing to remember is that even in times of consumption, we should be animated and encouraged by our next opportunity to "do". God did not create us to simply "exist" in a church; he could have just left creation at trees and flowers if that's all he desired! No, God created us to be doers of good work.
Remember, when God created man, he did so in his own image (Gen 1:27). Just as God is a being of intention and purpose, we are called to live our lives as individuals of intention and purpose, keeping our eyes affixed on the work he surrounds us with daily. Don't be idle; you won't want to miss what glory God can show you through his work.
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