You have probably heard the one about there being three types of people in the world: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened! For too long, many members of the body of Christ have not made things happen! They do spend much time wondering what is currently happening around them. The present times are demanding that we not stand by idle!

God is no longer asking and wooing us to change. This may not be socially correct, but it is necessary to state that God may even go as far as to severely punish some of His people for being bystanders in this moment! (It’s becoming more apparent to this writer that bystanders who are Christ’s will ultimately be judged for their lack of work and ministry!) According to the Bible, and in more ways than one, a person who knows to do good and doesn’t do it is committing sin (James 4:17).  God has intensified his request and, in many ways, demands that His people stand ready to do the “work of ministry”. What does “the work of ministry” look like? At the present time (and within our present governing guidelines), it is finding creative ways to be of service to others. It may mean taking on a monthly bill for someone who is in distress. It could mean cooking meals and possibly dropping off plates at an elderly person’s doorstep. Because of a shortage — those who can sew, may consider making masks for loved ones. Some are called to hold prayer meetings — others can send out daily encouraging texts. How about mailing thank you cards to those who have consistently labored in the ministry? God HAS called soldiers to be active, and many have missed the call to be in place — possibly because of their own preoccupation or selfishness. How tragic! Whatever gift or ability God has given you, ask Him how to find a creative way to be of service to others.

One last thing to consider. We cannot be bystanders in devotion to the Lord. Get a schedule of upcoming online and teleconference services and be an active participant with your church or churches that you are familiar with. Those in the body of Christ are NOT EXEMPT from “assembling themselves for service” with leaders and laborers they know. Be careful listening to and/or reading a steady diet of “religious” teaching and preaching! Even one such teaching ministry, so called, can lead a person from sound doctrine, or at least cause them to question the integrity of what they have been taught! There are many online who teach things you have not been taught. Here is a quote from the book of Acts: “For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.” (Sounds like modern day Facebook!) Nothing is new under the sun. We have been warned TWICE in Gal. 1:8-9: “If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” Some have already entertain thoughts about it and opened the door to it when they should have considered such teaching a curse! Don’t forget that we do need to be taught and have times of worship. Why not do these two things: stay connected and instructed with who and what you know, and ocassionally fill your home with good gospel music from http://www.youtube.com or your personal collection?

Stay safe!