Doing Our Part

by Rev. Richard Fisher

As a young Christian man, I loved the Lord and attended church services faithfully but I never thought that I would ever be a teacher or minister. While in the Air Force, I was asked if I would consider teaching a fifth grade Sunday School class to which I said “no”. When I was in prayer that night, however, the Lord convicted me of turning down the class so I made a deal with the Lord. My deal was if they asked me again, I would accept. You are way of head of me! They asked me once again that week and I accepted. I taught a class of around thirty fifth graders by myself. I loved children but did not have a clue how to teach. It was not a pretty picture. I was discouraged but read all the books in the Chaplain’s Office on teaching youth and prayed more. In time, teaching was more enjoyable and I trust the children grew in the Lord.

Serving the Lord is sometimes difficult but we are to continue on and do our part in the body of Christ. “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” Galatians 6:9. We are to use our God-given talents in the church even if it seems we are not making a difference.

Robert Moffatt, Scottish missionary to Africa, came back to recruit young men for the field. He was greeted by the fury of a cold British winter. Arriving at the church where he was to speak he noted only a small group had braved the elements to hear his appeal. What disturbed him even more was that he had prepared his sermon on Proverbs 8:4, "Unto you, O men, I call…" and only ladies had shown up. I'm sure that Dr. Moffatt felt like his preparation was senseless in light of the fact that few women could be expected to undergo the rigorous experiences of the African Mission field. But God did not think the preparation was useless. A boy out of sight in the organ loft that was pumping the organ was thrilled and challenged by the message. Deciding to follow in the footsteps of the veteran missionary, he went to school, became a doctor, and spent the rest of his life ministering to the unreached tribes of Africa. His name: David Livingstone!

In Matthew 25:15-30, Jesus gives the story of talents. In the story, one servant was given five, another two, and to another one, each according to their ability. The master went on a trip and when he returned the servant with five talents had gained five more and the servant with two had gained two more but the servant with one had burned his talent. The master had the same greeting for the service with ten as he did with the one with five. Matthew 25: 21 & 23, “His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” God wants us to do our part regardless of the talent(s) that we have. As you read the passage, we see that God is not pleased with the servant who did not use his talent. He did not accept his excuses and the crucified Savior will not accept ours. With God's strength, let us do our part and we too will receive the blessings of the Lord now and in the future.