In the middle of 1 Corinthians 14, the apostle Paul provides a great goal worth adopting this week.
…strive to excel in building up the church. (14:12)
How can I make that personal, applying my God-given time and energy to the answering of that call?
STRIVE. This is going to take focus and deliberate intention. Striving is the very opposite of mindlessly, aimlessly floating through life. It’s the stuff of sacrifice. I only have so much time, attention, and energy, but when I strive for something, those limited resources are spent because I believe the outcome is worth the expense. To strive is to push oneself vigorously, to make strenuous efforts toward a goal, to even contend or struggle against some sort of resistance or opposition. “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me,” Jesus said in Luke 9:23. Nobody does that by accident. Self-denying, cross-carrying followers of Jesus are strivers. In what direction?
TO EXCEL. The zeal of some is dangerously lukewarm. Most are content to coast, desiring every thing to remain exactly as it’s always been, especially if they are the ones who are comfortable. The love of many has grown cold. But what are disciples of Jesus called to do? Not maintain, or settle, or grow comfortable, or cruise. Disciples of Jesus are called to excel. Excel in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, in love for others, and acts of grace (2 Cor 8:7). So what might that look like in everyday terms?
IN BUILDING UP. In a culture of consumerism–“I want it my way. I except to be served. What have you done for melately?”–disciples of Jesus are spenders of their own time, energy, and resources. In a toxic sea of pessimism, grumbling, backbiting, gossip, and complaining, Christians ought to be the most optimistic people on the planet. By faith we expect the God of heaven to prevail and his kingdom to stand forever. We’re relying on the great and awesome Lord who keeps covenant and steadfast love. We’re looking forward to the city whose designer and builder is God. We believe that good will ultimately overcome evil, that’s why we sacrifice and share. That’s why we encourage and endure. That’s the reason we spend and allow ourselves to be spent. We are builders. Of what?
THE CHURCH. We’re called to strive to excel in building up the church. That’s the God-defined goal. Don’t just read over that, but think carefully and evaluate honestly. Our goal is not to excel in building up buildings or parking lots or programs. Our goal is so much bigger than our own houses, retirements, or personal experiences of comfort and ease. The goal we’ve been given by our Savior and King is to excel in building up the church, and the church is made up of people.
So who can you pray for today? Who is lost? Who can you thank and express appreciation for? Who needs hope more than they need oxygen? Who could use an unlooked for shot of encouragement? Who is starving for good news? Who haven’t you seen in a while? Who is struggling? Who is grieving? Who is fainthearted? Who is wandering? Who is carrying a heavy load? Who is being stretched? Who needs comfort? Whose soul could use some refreshment? Whose perspective could be completely changed if the light of Jesus reflected off of you and into their day?
Our God has given us time, opportunity, the perfect example, and powerful direction: strive to excel in building up the church.
How can you answer that call today?