A Message from Pastor Steve Goode
There is something that concerns me about the church today.
And I'm not talking about the culture outside our doors.
I'm talking about those of us sitting inside.
I wonder sometimes if we've become so comfortable attending church that we've forgotten we are called to be the church.
Think about it.
We know when the services begin.
We know where we like to sit.
We know the songs, the routine, and the people around us.
And there's nothing wrong with enjoying the fellowship of God's people.
But here's the question that keeps coming back to me.
When did being comfortable become more important than being available?
James 1:22 tells us to be doers of the Word and not hearers only.
That's a challenging verse because it reminds us that Christianity is not simply something we listen to.
It's something we live.
And I believe one of the greatest dangers facing a congregation is not always open rebellion against God.
Sometimes it's quiet complacency.
Nobody decides one morning, "I'm going to stop being useful to the Lord."
It usually happens gradually.
We get busy.
We get tired.
We become discouraged.
Maybe we served faithfully for years, and now we think it's somebody else's turn.
Maybe we tried something once, and it didn't work.
Or perhaps we simply became comfortable letting others do the work.
Before long, we become spectators in a ministry God intended us to participate in.
Now, don't misunderstand me.
There are seasons when people need rest. There are members of our congregation who have served faithfully for decades, and their circumstances have changed. Physical limitations, caregiving responsibilities, illness, and age can change what service looks like.
Faithfulness does not look identical in every season.
But every believer should still be asking, "Lord, how can You use me right where I am?"
In Ephesians 5:14, Paul writes:
"Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
Then he tells us to walk wisely and make the best use of our time.
Notice the progression.
Wake up.
Get up.
Walk.
God did not save us merely to occupy a seat. He saved us to belong to Christ and participate in His work.
At Northside Baptist Church, we have wonderful opportunities to make a difference.
Every Thursday morning, volunteers help provide breakfast to people experiencing homelessness.
Our children and students need adults who will encourage them, pray for them, and demonstrate what a faithful Christian life looks like.
Our seniors need visits, conversations, and encouragement.
Families in our community need to know that somebody cares.
And people all around us need to hear the gospel.
None of those ministries happens automatically.
They happen when ordinary believers decide to become available.
Somebody has to prepare the food.
Somebody has to teach the lesson.
Somebody has to make the phone call.
Somebody has to welcome the visitor.
Somebody has to say, "I'll help."
And here's something I've learned over the years.
You don't have to be the most talented person in the room to be useful to God.
You don't have to have a seminary degree.
You don't have to know all the answers.
You simply need a willing heart and a desire to obey the Lord.
Remember the body of Christ described in 1 Corinthians 12.
Every part matters.
Some roles are visible. Others are never noticed by the congregation.
But every faithful act of service matters to God.
Perhaps you've been waiting for someone to ask you to do something.
Maybe today is the day you stop waiting.
Instead of asking, "Why doesn't somebody do something about that?" ask, "Lord, is this something You want me to do?"
Instead of saying, "The church needs more volunteers," ask, "Where can I serve?"
Instead of remembering what God did twenty years ago, ask what He wants to do through us today.
We cannot change yesterday.
But we can be faithful with today.
And just imagine what might happen if every member of Northside decided to take one meaningful step of obedience.
Not everybody doing the same thing.
But everybody doing something God has equipped them to do.
The church doesn't need more spectators. It needs believers who are willing to put their faith into action.
So here's my challenge.
Wake up.
Get up.
And ask God where He wants you to walk.
Pastor Steve Goode
Northside Baptist Church | Greensboro, NC
