I love running errands in town because that usually means I can drive our
Maxima, which gets much better gas mileage than our nine-passenger family
van. Recently while running errands, I came to a stop light and the car began to
make a low grinding sound. I knew this didn’t sound safe, so I called my
husband and explained what I heard. He immediately called the doctor’s office
to book an appointment. He needed to speak to someone who would take a
look, know what was wrong, and fix the problem. You may think, “Uh, you said
doctor’s office, but I’m sure you meant mechanic.” Why would you assume I
slipped up there and meant mechanic? Well, logically, you knew that the
expected and normal thing to do is to call the person who has studied and had
hands-on experience with the issue. Booking an appointment with an individual
who spent their time in medical school will not prove as useful as calling on the
one who put their time into cars learning how to become a mechanic. Unless
you specifically know a doctor who has done mechanic work on the side, he’s
just not the one to call in this situation.
Are We Anyone’s Go-To?
Generally, a person will call on someone well-studied when they are in need
of finding answers in any given area. This should make us wonder, “What is my
area of expertise and for what type of help am I called?” Are we known for
being gurus in the area of DIY? Do we get phone calls for assistance in crafts,
cooking, cleaning, taxes, banking, etc.? There is nothing wrong with being the
person people come to about any of these subjects. How wonderful when we
can help! However, who do these same people go to when they have a Bible
question or need someone to pray for them? Does our name instantly pop into
their head? Do they pick up the phone to call or text us without hesitation? Or
do co-workers, friends, and acquaintances even know we are children of God?
While it is true that a person will usually call on their preacher or an elder
when they need spiritual guidance, any child of God should be pressing forward
in their learning of the Scriptures and able to offer help. People are looking for
someone they can trust and know will be able to direct them to applicable
Scriptures. If our name is not on their go-to list, it may be for one of two
reasons.
To Whom Goes the Glory?
We have all probably heard the phrase, “You may be the only Bible
someone ever reads.” How sad if this is someone’s reality because it is only the
holy Scriptures that are able to make us wise for salvation (2 Timothy 3:15). If
seeing our good choices is the closest they get to knowing God, that would be
no help to them at all! While we do want to live our life in such a way that others
see our good works, we must also make sure the glory goes to God (Matthew
5:16). Without pointing to Him, all anyone will ever think is, “They are such a
nice person!”
Carrying business cards with the church’s information on them is a good
place to start with new friends, acquaintances, or even strangers. When you are
blessed with an opportunity to do good for someone (Galatians 6:10; 1 Timothy 6:18), and they want to thank you, simply pull out a card and say something like, “It was my pleasure and I’d love to invite you to Bible class with me! Would you be able to do that?” We have now opened the door for further spiritual discussion.
Minding Our Own Business?
While we know that being a busybody in the business of others is
unacceptable (1 Timothy 5:13), sometimes we take this to the extreme. When
we keep our heads down, stay out of dodge, and lead a “homebody” life, we
certainly will be of no-good influence to others. Not only will we not be on the
go-to list, we will probably not even be on anyone’s mind...ever. How can we
possibly encourage the brethren (1 Thessalonians 5:11), demonstrate the fruit of
the spirit (Galatians 5:22), or even fulfill the great commission (Matthew
28:18-20) when we are keeping to ourselves? If we are avoiding others, we are
likely avoiding God as well. When we regularly study God’s word, we are more
inclined to be eager to live and share it!
Thankfully, my husband knew to call a mechanic about our car because it
turned out that the grinding was our car’s brakes! Thankfully, our mechanic
doesn’t hide but advertises his business, so we knew we could call on him.
“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how
shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear
without a preacher?” (Romans 10:15). If we are not on anyone’s go-to list for
spiritual needs, perhaps its because we have not been sharing God’s word or
giving Him the glory.
May we strive together to glorify God and lead souls to Him (Romans 15:6).
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