As we remember Isaiah’s vision before the throne of God, let’s continue our direction of ‘working in the kingdom’ and being involved in the church. Like Isaiah, we too can (should) answer, “Here am I, send me!”
There is an old hymn that was written and composed by M. W. Spencer. The words sound remarkably familiar to the words from Isaiah. The first verse makes a clear statement that, “There is much to do, there’s work on every hand…” As the song continues we see the call for each of us to be evangelistic, to reach out and carry the Bread of Life to “hungering souls.” But the chorus rings out the words from Isaiah as we sing, “Here am I, Lord, send me…ready at Thy bidding, Lord send me.” Christians, you know that we are called to be servants (I Timothy 4:6, “…you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus…”). We are called to work, to serve and give of our talents and time. But is there a statute of limitations? Can I call it quits after X number of years? Many will say, “I’ve done my share of the lifting, it’s time for someone else to carry the load.” And yes, we all need to be working, but nowhere in the scripture do we read of taking a sabbatical from our Christian walk. One of our more contemporary songs, “In Christ Alone,” ends with the line, “…till He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.” We have an obligation; a job to do that never comes to an end. Young people, parents, grandparents…children of God: let’s be ready to work and work with our whole heart.
A story is told about working and who was doing the work. I’m sure you’ve read it before, but reading it again might be appropriate here: “There is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry, because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized Everybody wouldn’t do it. So Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.”
Anonymous (wouldn’t you know!)
It is a fact that in most organizations 20% of the members do most of the work and carry the load of the remaining 80%. Unfortunately our churches sometimes fall into this dilemma. Imagine what would happen if these figures were reversed and the majority of members came to find the excitement of who we are and Whom we are called to serve. From the young Christian to the senior saint, each of us has been called for “the work of service…” (Ephesians 4:11-13).
So how do I get involved in the work of the Lord’s church? I’m a babe in Christ; what is there for me to do? Or…I’m an older Christian; can’t I step back and let someone else take up the slack? It’s my belief that if you’ve stayed with me this far, you have the qualities it takes to be active in Lord’s church. Most likely you are part of the 20%, so please…don’t quit! My encouragement to you is simple: if you’ll answer these two questions you’ll know what and where to be involved. 
First, what do you enjoy doing? What do you find interesting and engaging? Then secondly, what are your talents? What are you (humbly) good at doing? When you answer these two basic questions you’ll begin to know where you might be of service in the church.
Next time we’ll look at Christ’s thought’s when it comes working or putting things off. There is work to be done and it will be done by someone…will it be you?
