Have you ever met someone who isn’t in a great position in an argument or discussion so they resort to “everyone says” or “you know what they say,” or “they were contradicting what you said” while never clarifying who “everyone” or “they” are? As someone who did well in speech and debate in school, this IRKS me to no end! When someone does this, they’re basically presenting baseless argument or accusation, one they can back out of quickly by saying “I heard/read it somewhere” all the while challenging you to come right out and call them a liar. Yet, I also find that people don’t just use “they” when trying to win an argument without a position, they do it when something is not happening the way they would desire (how many times am I going to say they? Probably a lot). The translation of “You know what they/you should do” is “I don’t want to be a part of the solution, nor do I wish to volunteer, but I most certainly will volunteer to point out the problems/needs in this organization!”
Often, I find, when this happens within the church, God is convicting someone to serve, but the person values their time, their treasures and talents, and desires so to outsource their mission to someone else (I usually say “It sounds like God is calling you to something,” much to their irritation). Even when such ideas get implemented by someone else, these same idea people will complain that it’s not exactly how the idea should be done, while never lifting a finger to help or resolve it! Here’s the thing, though, we’re all called to minister in Christ. It doesn’t matter if “Preacher” or “Elder” or “Deacon” or “Sunday School Teacher/Food Pantry Server/<Insert ministry position here>” is on your name badge, we are all called to serve. So we need to ask this question and seriously consider the answer: who is “they?” Quite simply, you are. We are saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ, and are all called to be a member of His body. We’re commanded to use our gifts and talents for His glory, and none of us will meet Jesus by riding on someone else’s coat tails! If God lays it on your heart, it is likely a mission He’s planting for you, so roll up your sleeves and get to the work! There’s souls that need saving, needs to be met, and a lost world to be lights in!
Ephesians 2:1-10
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Philippians 2:12-17
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
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