By Terry Clark
A new year always provides new opportunities to serve the Lord. What if a new year provided “another opportunity” to serve the Lord?
Last year’s theme for the Vision Book was to be doers of God’s word not just hearers only, otherwise we deceive ourselves (James 1:22). While 2020 presented varying challenges to every Christian, can each say they were a doer of God’s word? What about the years preceding 2020? Can one say they were a doer of God’s word?
Perhaps you have not been an active participant in the Lord’s body, the church. Perhaps you have only been “present and accounted for” each time the church assembles. Perhaps you have been a hearer only, thus a forgetful hearer (James 1:2325). If you have only been listening and not doing, then 2021 provides you “another opportunity” to make some much needed changes.
To be an effective doer, it is very important that a Christian understands their role and their responsibilities. The shepherds’ prayer and desire is that…
Every member recognizes they are one of many members of one body in Christ (I Corinthians 12:12-14)
Every member strives to be a doer of God’s word, not just hearers only (James 1:22)
Every member recognizes they have an active responsibility to one another (Ephesians 4:11-16)
Every member recognizes they must be in the habit of assembling with one another in order to exhort and encourage one another (Hebrews 10:22-25)
Every member recognizes all members do not have the same role, function or talent, but collectively we are one body in Christ (Romans 12:3-8)
Every member understands they are commanded to do their part according to their talent (Ephesians 4:15-16)
Every member is always abounding in the work of the Lord (I Corinthians 15:58) Every member is fervent in spirit, serving the Lord (Romans 12:11) Every member encourages and uplifts one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
A new year provides “another opportunity” to serve God. May every Christian recognize the importance of being an actively engaged member in the church.