In God’s kingdom there are no spectators. The apostle Peter proclaimed that the Church is “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” (1 Peter 2:9)

There are so many lessons and principles taught in that verse, and among them is the truth that there are no spectators in God’s kingdom. The Lord Jesus Christ has sent us as His ambassadors into this “crooked and perverse generation,” (Philippians 2:15). All the descriptions are plural: generation, priesthood, nation and people. The Bible does not teach a concept of hiring or sending someone else to do what we were called to do. There are no acceptable excuses before the Lord. Time? We all have the same amount of it each day. The issue is priorities. Health? Our body’s condition only limits the ways in which we can function. The issue is creativity. Skill? Availability carries much more weight than expertise in most tasks. The issue is willingness. Resources? We all get to work with 100% of what we have. The issue is sacrifice. Every excuse presented as the reason for neglecting our calling is just that—an excuse. The “Great Commission” is addressed to the disciples (plural). In Acts 1:8, the Lord called the disciples “witnesses.” Further, retirement is not a concept of the Bible. In fact, Jesus rebuked the idea of hoarding material goods with the plan of taking life easy later (See Luke 12:16-21). The man in the parable was called, “Fool!” (v. 20) for taking that approach to life. Jesus said, “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” (v. 21) Are you rich in good works for God, or are you a spectator as you labor for your own benefit?

Sin cera, Erik

Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

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