On Saturday, April 9, 2011, many of us made our way into the surrounding communities—Mechanicsburg, Harrisburg, and Dillsburg—to serve those in the church as well as those who do not yet know Jesus, in hopes that all may “see [our] good works and give glory to the Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). This day is an annual occurrence, one in which all are encouraged to match our creeds (what we say) with our deeds (what we do). James, in fact, reminds us that true faith is accompanied with such deeds and that without them, our intuitive faith is just a mirage of the real thing. Jesus’ teaching aligns with James’ in the same way – if we aren’t bearing fruit, there is reason to question the legitimacy of our salvation.
So to encourage this type of service is good and honorable in the sight of the Lord. I think all would agree with that. However, do we think it changes anything? Do we believe that our impact is serving the kingdom of God in real, tangible ways? In our Western culture, measure of success is often determined by, or directly correlated with, measure of change. In relation to the church, if we don’t give up everything and serve in Africa or Indonesia, we may think that our service “doesn’t count” or isn’t worth as much to God in the grand scheme of things.
I’d like to reject this myth, giving some reasons why the local church can “shine as lights in the world” (Phil. 2:15) among a generation that needs Jesus.
1. God is sovereign over times and places. Paul, in Acts 17:26, confirms this: “And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God.” There is a reason that believers were born in central Pennsylvania. God has chosen from before the foundation of the world for individuals to live and work here and not somewhere else. God has called us to this place to minister to those whom we daily interact. Sometimes, it’s a temptation to automatically feel like we’re needed elsewhere, when God has been putting people in front of us here. Family members, co-workers, teammates, friends – all have been set in our proverbial path in order that God may be winning people to himself through ordinary means.
2. The second is much like the first: We were created to do good works. Ephesians 2:10 states, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” In his good and gracious plan, God has made his children for works of service which will be beneficial to the church and to his kingdom. One of the beauties of a regenerate Christian, is his desire for good works. As sinners, we do not naturally desire to please God through acts of service; however, the Christian is different. The Christian, as an outpouring of thankfulness, aims to please God by helping his brother. These good works have been set in front of us – here in the local community. Acts of service are done in this community, because God has planned them, for the edification of his church, and for the spread of his Name.
3. The gospel is needed for all peoples, at all times in history, in every place of the world. The great thing about the new covenant is that grace is not only offered to those who are covenant people by natural descent (i.e. the Israelites) but to the Gentiles as well. The wealthy, unbelieving CEO needs Christ just as much as the orphan in Zimbabwe. My neighbor is in need of salvation just as much as the widow in Calcutta. God’s grace in Jesus shows no partiality. That means there’s a harvest in our backyard. A mission field of sowers can be found, not only across seas, but in south central Pennsylvania.
Please, do not take this as a hit against missionaries in other countries. We’ve commissioned certain individuals to carry the gospel to all reaches of humanity. This is an imperative which Jesus and the apostles fully endorsed. We cannot stop this mission, for the gospel depends on it.
My aim is to encourage us, those who wake up everyday and go to the same jobs, fellowship with the same families, and hang out with the same friends. We may begin to grow cold and skeptical, maybe even taking this attitude into Life Giving Saturday. My hope is that we look at the deposit of which God has entrusted us, and serve him in the places that he has designated. Service in the local church is what the apostles intended. It is through this ordinary service that God will continue to grow his eternal, glorious kingdom.
