Key Bible Verse: For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago (Ephesians 2:10). Bonus Reading: Romans 12:4-8

Bud Wilkinson, the legendary coach of the University of Oklahoma football team from 1947 to 1963, once described his game as "50,000 people who desperately need exercise watching 22 men who desperately need rest." Unfortunately that's the situation in most churches today. Spiritually gifted men sit in the pews watching a handful of others serve in the church's various ministries. Like the 50,000 observers at a football game, too many Christians sit on the sidelines and cheer for those serving God with all their heart.

This isn't what God intended. As Christians we're saved to serve, and God expects that service. A Christian who isn't serving is as ineffective as a car put on blocks. A car in that position is useless!

And speaking of useless, a great violinist, Nicolo Paganini, willed his elegant violin to the city of Genoa, Italy, with one condition—the violin was never again to be used. It was a gift designated for preservation … not for service. But not so for you and me as Christians! We're gifts that God had given to the church to render useful and beneficial service.

—Jim George in A Husband After God's Own Heart

My Response: How does my presence give a boost to my church?

Thought to Apply: In God's family there is to be one great body of people: servants. In fact, that's the way to the top in His kingdom.—CHARLES SWINDOLL (pastor)

Adapted from A Husband After God's Own Heart (Harvest, 2004) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Father, Your Son gave His life for the church. Teach me, as His follower, to care deeply about it too.

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