This is a great time of year to consider the profound impact of three simple words—”Batteries Not Included.” No matter how cool a new toy might be, it has no real value without one or more D, C, AA, AAA, 9-volt, or those real expensive thin, round batteries. The energy unleashed by those Energizers makes a world of difference, assuming you pay attention to the + and – signs.
Other than a great reminder to stock up on batteries, so what?
Because you visited Today’s Children’s Ministry, then you likely serve as a leader of some sort in a children’s ministry. Maybe you’re the director, the leader of a specific area, or a small group leader. Whatever your position, here’s the point: Due to your role, and you might not always realize this, the unique energy you bring to your ministry helps make it run. You make a world of difference.
With the end of another year almost upon us, I just had to make sure you hear “Thank you!” for another 12 months of ministry. You could put your talent to use in a multitude of other career or volunteer opportunities, so thank you for choosing to build the Kingdom through reaching kids.
To stretch this metaphor/Duracell commercial even further, imagine how much your role functions like a battery—you share your charge with others, and that causes action. As you enter this bright, exciting, activity-filled time of the year, you will undoubtedly need to spend a lot of your energy. So make sure to take time to personally re-charge over the holidays. The rest of your team needs all the volts you can deliver next year, too—and our great Maker doesn’t want you completely drained. On the contrary, He promises to provide you with what you need, so plug into Him in whatever way you connect best. Just be deliberate.
Because of the power He sent into the world via a Bethlehem manger, this world changed. And I pray that whenever you see the words “Batteries Not Included,” you’ll remember that the God of infinite energy is with you right here, right now.
And He continues to change the world though people like you.
David Staal, senior editor of Today’s Children’s Ministry, serves as the president of Kids Hope USA, a national non-profit organization that partners local churches with elementary schools to provide mentors for at-risk students. Prior to this assignment, David led Promiseland, the children’s ministry at Willow Creek Community Church in Barrington, Illinois. David is the author of Words Kids Need to Hear (2008) and lives in Grand Haven, MI, with his wife Becky, son Scott, and daughter Erin.
Copyright © 2005 Promiseland.
