How to be a fulfilled, happy Christian

The church building buzzed yesterday. Kids were everywhere. Adults were planning games, telling Bible stories, and singing songs about Jesus.  There are people staffing our Vacation Bible School who took a week of their vacation time for it. Laura, who coordinates Children’s Ministry at our church, started working in January to bring this week into being.  Her leadership is a key, but she would not, could not get the message to 200 kids without dozens of others who join in.

Are you part of God’s work in the world, closely connected in some way, taking up the opportunities He presents to you?  VBS is the current effort. Our little fellowship has dozens of people involved throughout the year getting out the Word, serving people in Jesus’ Name.  Bob guides a crew that makes the grounds look good, honoring Christ with their excellence. Terry leads a team that lifts their voices in song and carries us into God’s Presence in Worship. Pat and her team lug boxes of food into our pantry, repack it, and present – with love – to those in need.  Several leaders pull together small groups in homes to encourage discipleship.  And the list goes on . . .

In every congregation that I been privileged to serve, in differing locales in our country, I saw a common thread:   Those who roll up their sleeves and get to work to serve Jesus, His Body, and the world in His Name are the most content, most fulfilled, steadiest Christians.   They tire in their work. They sometimes get dissatisfied with results, they even endure criticism but they are the company of the committed who are focused on serving the Lord of Glory.  They know the great joy of being connected in a meaningful with other people – something that is of great value.

As I reflect on those who link arms in ministry, the ancient poetry of the Psalm comes to mind.
David saw the people of God getting along and doing His work.
He wrote:
"How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard,
 running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes.
It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore." (Psalm 133, NIV)

Oils, precious and refined, were poured on the heads of the priests symbolizing the Presence of God.  The fragrance spread to those watching. Everyone was enveloped in the experience, part of the rite even through the sense of smell!

Mount Hermon, the highest peak in Northern Israel, was the place from which the waters of the Jordan flowed, bringing life to the desert areas of Mount Zion in Jerusalem.  God gave the snowfall that fell on that high peak. As it melted and flowed down into the Jordan the whole region was watered, the fertility of the ground preserved.  All were blessed by something happening far away.

David's point is that when God's people work together, sharing grace, loving - it's a 'WOW' experience, the best of the best, spreading out to touch many lives.

Are you a Christian on the sidelines?  Are you reluctant to serve, feeling that life is already too full?   Take another look at the opportunities. Listen again for God’s call.

Get in on the party! Join the family. Find a place to participate in what God is doing. Forget yourself as you focus on the work. You'll find joy!

The word from the Word uses your body to illustrate His Body.  Read it again, asking the Spirit to let you catch a vision of serving.
"God's various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God's Spirit.
God's various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all.

 Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits.
All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people!
The variety is wonderful: wise counsel clear understanding. ...

You can easily enough see how this kind of thing works by looking no further than your own body.

Your body has many parts-limbs, organs, cells-but no matter how many parts you can name, you're still one body.
It's exactly the same with Christ. ... I want you to think about how all this makes you more significant, not less.
A body isn't just a single part blown up into something huge.
It's all the different-but-similar parts arranged and functioning together." (1 Corinthians 12:5-8, 12, 14, The Message)
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Let Your Glory Fall (Click on title to listen and pray along)

Father of creation,

Unfold Your sov'reign plan.

Raise up a chosen generation

That will march through the land.

All of creation is longing

For Your unveiling of pow'r.

Would You release Your anointing?

Oh God, let this be the hour!

Let Your glory fall in this room.

Let it go forth from here to the nations.

Let Your fragrance rest in this place,

As we gather to seek Your face.

Ruler of the nations,

The world has yet to see,

The full release of Your promise,

The church in victory.

Turn to us, Lord, and touch us,

Make us strong in Your might.

Overcome our weakness,

That we could stand up and fight.

Let Your kingdom come!

Let Your will be done.

Let us see on earth,

The glory of Your Son.

David Ruis

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