Can We Do More?

By Bill Brandstatter       Often Christians feel bad because they are not able to do more for the church. Certainly, there are times when as individuals, we need to do more. That may include inviting others, encouraging others, attending Bible classes and worship, praying more for others. Sometimes phone calls, visits, or notes are great ways to help others to live better, be more faithful, and be encouraged. Others sometimes see the church in decline, or they notice more needs to be done. Sometimes we ask, “Can we do more?” The answer is YES; but to what extent is this possible?     Everybody is not the same. Paul indicates in Romans 12:4 that every person in the body has a different function. God expects us to fulfill our function. Paul told Timothy, “Do the work of an evangelist.” Timothy had work to do. I am not expected by God to do what others are more capable of doing. God expects me to do what I can with the ability I have (1 Pet. 4:11).     Everybody can do something. In Mark chapter 14, a woman with an alabaster box did something. She was criticized for not doing more. Jesus said, “She has done what she could do.” (vs. 8) Notice Jesus did not expect her to do what the critics mentioned. Mark records, “They criticized her sharply” (Mark 14:5). We don't know the reason that she couldn't do more; but Jesus accepted what she did and praised her for it. Sometimes people don't do anything because of criticism. Like the woman in our text, others will look at the work that ought to be done and criticize. Perhaps some think that their work is to criticize others. Because of criticism, or the possibility of it, some people won't do what they ought to be doing (John 12:42, 43). Let us not be criticizers, but encouragers and exhorters.     Everybody has reasons they can't do more. Sometimes time constraints prevent a person from doing more. A mother with children is constrained by time. God expects a mother to take care of the home, her husband, and her children. If she can do more that is great. Many women do, but not all are able to do this. When Paul stated that a woman would be saved in her childbearing, he simply meant that a mother has a place that is important to God. (1 Tim. 2:15)     In our day, there may be times a person can't do more because of health, transportation, or situations meaning that person can only do a certain amount. We should not be critical of those who can't do more, but rather encourage them in whatever area they are serving.     Everybody has a responsibility to do something for the Lord. Perhaps all I can do is make a phone call. Others may be able to send a card. The Lord only expects me to do what I can. Certainly not everyone can preach or teach a Bible class. Some can't lead singing. Others can't teach a children's class. Everybody can do something, however. We need to find our niche in the local congregation then do it to the best of our ability. We are not perfect. We will make mistakes. Christianity and service both involve growth, however.     Everybody needs to try to do more. In Heb. 5:12, individuals are mentioned that should have grown in their Christianity. They should have been teachers; but they never got to that point. The writer indicates they need to be taught again the first principles. The implication here is that they should have grown more than they did. We all need to try to do more. We need to talk to more people about the salvation found only in Christ. We often put ourselves in a comfort zone and never leave. All of us need to look within and ask ourselves if we are growing. If we can do more, we should. If we are at the same place we were when we became a Christian, we need to grow.

- Bill Brandstatter preaches for the Marion Church of Christ in Marion, IL. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://marionchurchofchrist.com/