Last weekend, while Janette and the boys were out of town, I was able to do a couple of ride-alongs through the Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office. Both days were relatively uneventful. One of the officers described Saturday as “slow.” I’ve learned never to use the word, “quiet”. Let’s just say that it is frowned upon.
After some paperwork and one call, we traveled the roads of the county, but hadn’t made any traffic stops. That’s when a call came over the radio, and we responded to a complaint on the other end of the county. And, wouldn’t you know it … on the way, there would have been two “solid stops” as the officer put it. I guess it was their lucky day, because we were already responding to a call. Priorities had shifted, and stopping those cars was not an option.
Why do I share that story? Well, the Christian life can be like that. Like the officer that received the call from dispatch, Christians have also been given a call that should change our priorities. It doesn’t mean that we neglect our other duties, but we are all called to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you..." (Matthew 28:19-20 ESV)
As I have mentioned before, the Greek has more of the idea of “having gone” instead of “go” - it’s something we do in the midst of our other responsibilities. Like the scenario above, there will often be other important things that require our attention. However, we must not neglect the call to which we have been “dispatched.” This goes beyond evangelism (which is important) to the matter of using the gifts God has given us. Our talents and abilities are not meant for us only, but rather for the building up of the body of Christ (Eph. 4:11-16).
Today, I encourage you to do what God has called you to do. “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (Hebrews 13:16 ESV)
In His grip,
Pastor Decker
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