You might call it writers block, but I have been staring at my computer keyboard for hours with the desire to write, yet my mind is being choked out with the overwhelming shadow of all that needs accomplished in each day and the painful reality of social destruction that has been brought by hate today. But, more on that next time. You could say that I’m overwhelmed, and you might be right. You may choose to even put yourself in the place of judgment, thinking, I need to slow down, do less, or just let things slide and that is your choice.
The solutions often seem simple when we are an outside observer who has not walked a day in someone else’s shoes, but they are quite willing to proudly share their opinions with us nonetheless, right? You and I should never judge someone else in their zeal and work as they seek to bring glory to God in their work. They very well may be burning the candle at both ends and in the middle, at the request of God Himself, not just because of their circumstances. Paul wrote, “Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.” (Philippians 2:17–18)
Have we as a community of believers, the church, starting to forget we are called to labor in service for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? Are we also forgetting that we are encouraged to build each other up in that labor and good works for God and His Kingdom? Hebrews says, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) What is the most effective way to stir each other up to love and good works? Do something! Yep, sometimes the answer is just that simple. Jump in and love, serve, and help one another in the work to the glory of God. Nothing is more refreshing than having someone come along us in our labor and help get the job done and done well. As my father used to say, “If you going to be in the boat, pick up an ore and start rowing.”