Nehemiah 4:6 (MSG) We kept at it, repairing and rebuilding the wall. The whole wall was soon joined together and halfway to its intended height because the people had a heart for the work.
Bethany Community Church where I am privileged to serve as pastor has a reputation of being a church that works. I often wonder if it actually intimidates some, because they might feel that the only way to have value here is to show up and help out. We are keenly aware that our value is based on the fact that Christ died for all of us. We are also aware that some serve by showing extraordinary financial generosity to the task of “rebuilding the city of God,” in the community of man. When God makes note of something like he did in Neh. 4:6 pay attention. Nehemiah 4:6 makes it clear that people who work together to build something for God gets his attention and makes him smile.
Think about it; this great country of ours has been built by laboring people. Today I pause and give thanks for the farmers, truckers, doctors, nurses, lawyers, accountants, utility workers, landscapers, secretaries, janitors, computer programmers, painters, carpenters, home makers, police officers, preachers and teachers who make our world run every day.
Now Back to BCC. If you are an outsider perhaps it will be helpful to know that at the present time BCC has a approximately 120,000 square feet of facilities in 4 locations in 3 towns; approximately 40plus ministries in the church, host 2 major conferences leadership conferences annually, conducts an 18 day camp for Chinese students and and runs 9 major social needs programs in the community out of 2 thrift stores. What I have just described isn’t maintained by angels while we sleep; no, there are paid staff, but it’s mostly an army of volunteers who grow up, show up and lift up the good work that God has given us to do.
On this labor day, 2015, I make no apologies for BCC being a culture of work. First of all, we are enjoying ourselves; we are not miserable. Secondly, we love making a difference in our community. Thirdly, BCC’ers find great joy in serving God. Fourthly, working together is just as powerful a way to build intimacy and make friends as playing together. Fifthly, watching the hand of God go beyond our labor and make things happen is so thrilling; there are no words to describe my awe of watching God provide right after our efforts are exhausted.
I don’t believe you can experience the provision of God until you exhaust your own resources; this is one of the main benefits of pouring one self out for a cause. God looks for empty vessels to fill. (That’ll preach!)
Yes we believe in rest, play and celebration. No, we don’t believe we can earn our way to heaven. It is nice to know however that God looks and smiles at a working church that’s rebuilding the “City of God,” in the community of man. It’s a warm feeling to hear God’s applause over a group of people who have “a heart for the work.”
If you are going through life as a spectator, who only works at your career I would challenge you to join a group of people somewhere who are doing something that honors God and blesses people and show up for a few hours a month to make another’s dream come true. On this Labor Day consider spending the rest of your life being a part of a righteous work force somewhere who are rebuilding the “City of God,” in the community of man.
