Unique Body What Ifs?

WARNING! This is a reminiscence and maybe will be a little long or preachy.

A long time friend, Vicky Duncan Haley, sent pictures from a musical performance at First Assembly in Joliet back in 1986. I had written Growing Up God’s Way, and it took the unique body of believers to pull off my vision. The combined skills of  kids and adults helped in every way possible.

I won’t mention more names – there are too many to list. As I recall, in addition to a large cast of preteens and teens, there were nearly three times that number of adults who pitched in. At that time, there were amazing musicians who rehearsed faithfully after one of the guys orchestrated my simple tunes. We had a group of skilled carpenters who designed and constructed the staging area. Sound, lighting, makeup people, costumers, backup singers, dance coaches, and others used their God-given and proven abilities. We had a patient cast control crew who helped corral the troupe and feed the kids snacks. It is humbling to remember all the people who took part.

Vicky flew in for the performance after encouraging my writing to begin with. She continues to this day to be a special ‘Barnabas’ in my life. Her mother was a life-saver that week as she coached one of the leads to get just the right sassy attitude I wanted. My mom came in from Texas to keep the home fires burning while Stephanie and I went to rehearsal. My cousin’s wife, Sally McCoy, did the artwork for the programs.

My question is, what if I hadn’t had people surrounding me who had my back? What if other church members had sat back and said, “My kid isn’t in it, I don’t need to help”? What if I hadn’t had a pastor and his staff who put up with me and my crazy projects? I tell you the truth, it wouldn’t have happened!!!

Statistics say that 20% of a congregation do most of the work. What if we all pitched in and did what we could to always help the church grow and reach others for Christ? How would the world be different?

As I volunteered to help with VBS this year, I had to give a list of stipulations for me to physically be able to help. I really miss teaching kids. Maybe this is the impetus I need to rejoin the fray.

May I encourage – aka NAG – everyone? Whether it is physical help or spiritual intercession, please have each other’s back. Let’s put our combined efforts into being a healthy body of believers to bring glory to God! Please take time to read 1 Corinthians 12. Verse 18 says God has placed the parts in the body, everyone of them, just as He wanted them to be. Verse 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. Earlier in the chapter, Paul says, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”

What gifting will you contribute for the good of the Kingdom?

Blessings

KB

Go to Sally McCoy Artworks on Facebook! She is an amazing artist!