August 7, 2008

Dear friend,

While I was going to seminary in St. Louis, I was responsible to find children’s Sunday School teachers for the church we attended. I remember sitting with the church phone directory and calling person after person. Many people were too busy. Many others had to “pray” about serving. Still others just didn’t feel called. Finally, I called one man who gave a different answer. “This is Stephen from the Covenant Church. I was wondering if you might be interested in helping with our Sunday Schools?” His reply was stunning: “Sure, I’ll do it.” After so many rejections, I could hardly believe my ears. I wondered if he felt like he had no choice, but as I spoke with him further it became evident that the love of Christ compelled him!

Friend, how about you? No, I am not looking for a Sunday School teacher today. In fact, I am not asking you to do anything in particular. My question is, “Why do you answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ when called upon to do something for Christ?” It would be a terrible thing if you said yes to God out of guilt or shame. Equally terrible though, would be to never say yes out of love for Jesus! When we serve the Lord in our church, or in our home, or in our workplace, or in our community, we are making a love offering of thanksgiving to God! What will you offer?

“The service you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God” (2 Cor. 9:12).

Your servant,

Stephen

Rev. Stephen St. John
Pastor/Elder