September 4, 2022 - INSCRIPTIONS FROM THE HEART
By Tina de Castro
WHAT IS THAT IN YOUR HAND?
Exodus 4:1-3; 13
Then the LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied The LORD said, “Throw it on the ground.” Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it.
…..But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else” (Exodus 4:13 NIV).
Moses was being commissioned by God to do something for Him. But instead of promptly saying yes, Moses still lingered on the subject and tried to ignore God’s Word with his gazillion excuses.
Have you been in the same tight spot as Moses? Has someone in CEAC approached you and asked if you could volunteer to do such and such task or to be involved in such and such ministry work? What justifications or reasonings do you oftentimes use to shy away and inhibit yourself from the task?
“Who, me? I’m extremely busy!”
“Who, me? I don’t think I’m strong…smart…experienced enough to do the job!
“Who, me? I’m too young…too old…for that kind of thing!”
“Who, me? What are the pastors, elders, ministry leaders for? That’s what they are paid for and appointed to do.”
“Who, me? As long as I attend services on Sunday, I’m good!”
Excuses, excuses, excuses: never ending escape-moves to serve. Why is it that many people are indifferent, unresponsive toward volunteering in the church? Some find it too menial, unrewarding, and even a waste of their valuable time. Others feel that they don’t have what it takes, that they’ll only be an embarrassment and ruin the show. No wonder Exodus 4 goes on to tell us that “the Lord’s anger burned against Moses.” Moses was relying on his flesh, rather than in God’s power.
Recently, the church held a week-long Vacation Bible School event for church kids. I greatly admire how the program volunteers, young and old, devotedly offered their time, skills and energy, to show their support for the ministry. Together, they gave their finest to bring joy on the faces of the children. Likewise, not too long ago, during CEAC’s Family Camp retreat, what a delight to see all the men strenuously doing the washing of dishes and clean-up of the dining and kitchen areas, serving with remarkable willingness and joy in their hearts.
There is no competition in the Kingdom of God. Men, women, young people, children and seniors can serve as one in unity, harmony and joy, as a humble fashion of worship to the Lord our God. We are not to compete with one another, neither compare ourselves to others, and allow personal insecurities to keep us from releasing what God has placed within us to serve Him.
How do you feel God has gifted you to serve? How can you get involved and start serving this week through the gifts of time, talent, and treasures He has given you? Start making a significant
impact in His Kingdom. Nothing is insignificant. Don’t ever feel that you don’t have a crucial part to play in the Kingdom of God. His word in 1 Corinthians 12:21-22 says, “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ And the head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’ On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable….!”
So, dear brethren, “What is that in your hand?”
Allow God to work wonders in your life and the lives of others through the gift He has entrusted in your hand. As members of Christ’s Body in CEAC, each one of us is essential for the success and productive growth of this local church. Know how God has gifted you and ask His Spirit to fill your heart with the willingness and cheerfulness to share that gift to others. May our acts of service be a reflection of our love for Him.
All for His glory alone!