by Jeffrey R. Snell
Some believe the church must do a better job of reaching out to congregations to fill up this disturbing lack. For example, providing better information on what kinds of help are needed, simplifying how one volunteers, or presenting needs in a more attractive fashion are proffered solutions. Others blame a perception that once an individual volunteers, their name is etched in stone, and they will be relentlessly asked to serve year after year like the woman I described before--who needs that? While these are genuine symptoms to be reckoned with, however, I believe there is a simpler, more fundamental problem at the root of most congregations� lethargy: sin.
Now, while sin is accurately the root of all our problems, that idea is not particularly helpful in this context. No, I am contending that hidden sin, within the hearts and lives of believers, is the greatest hindrance to widespread joyful service in the church. Consider a middle-aged male professional named Richard who works long weekday hours, spends too little time with his wife and child and secretly struggles with alcohol abuse. When approached to lead a Sunday morning discussion group based on Paul�s warning to the Ephesus church about becoming drunk with wine (Eph. 5:18), Richard balks and declines, citing not enough time during the week to prepare and not wanting to further neglect his family. But what is the real reason? The truth is, in his heart he feels thoroughly unworthy to lead any church activity, let alone a study so near his hidden sin. Why would God entrust such a critical responsibility to him? He is likely deeply terrified of being exposed as well. Of course, he is sure the church only considered him because they don�t know the truth. If he could get his own depressed life under control, then maybe...but no, it�s hopeless.
Do you see the problem? Take a look at Luke 5:27-28 in God�s word. Did Jesus tell Levi, �If you have taken care of all your sin, and you don�t have any problems, then follow me?� No! He said simply, �Follow me.� Was Levi therefore without sin? We know that is not the case, since �all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God� (Ro 3:23). Jesus called him and Levi followed--his first act of obedience. That is what the Lord commands of us before we may come to Him: obedience, not perfection. What if the Lord intended to use those Richard could have led in class to minister to him? What if that was the path of deliverance God provided? But Richard chose not to follow. Not because he did not desire to serve the Lord; because of fear.
Fear is powerful venom injected by the enemy, so deadly because often it lies concealed beneath the attractive veneer of independence. So many of us desire to be seen and thought of as confident, strong and, ironically, fearless, we allow that desire to usurp the King of Kings from His rightful place in our lives. The very steps we take to avoid weakness prevent us from ever attaining the one thing we longingly dream about: being held close by the One who made us, filled with His transcendent peace. But God has given us who know Christ the antivenom--a spirit filled with power, love and sound thinking (2 Tim 1:7). So why do so many believers struggle on?
In order to overcome the fear that threatens to enshroud us it is not enough to simply agree with God�s word; we must bet our lives on it. Fear can not survive in the presence of pure love, the love God�s spirit fills us with when we truly follow Jesus Christ (1 Jn 4:18). So we must engage in God�s word constantly, restarting our mind�s renewal every day before the enemy�s grappling hooks take hold and fear creeps back into our heart, and then we must do what His word shows us. If leaders in the Church would fight this battle to win freedom for those restrained from joyful service, then the true enemy must be confronted. Talk about fear, not only love, from the pulpit; engage the listeners by speaking to the reality of their lives, not just the ideal they are to strive for. Expose the devil�s method for diverting us from God�s path by convincing the fearful they will not be condemned by the Church. They already believe God will not condemn them, but He is not the only person they must interact with. The Lord has commanded us to edify and love one another. Be willing to do what it takes to meet the fearful, struggling brother or sister where they are to love and build them up, and you will void fear�s power . Then the joy Christ speaks of will sprout with the collapse of the enemy�s illusion, and great gifts of service will flow from desires made new!
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