Don't Just Fill a Role - Be a Role-Model

Christians are not just expected to go to church (Heb. 10:24-25), we are to be active "members" of the church, which is the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12:13-27, we're told that each and every Christian, as a member of the body, has a specific role, and every role is important. In order for the church to be what it ought to be, the members of the body must all contribute to the body: "...from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love" (Ephesians 4:16).

These are common points of discussion. As a preacher, I know I've preached many sermons on this topic, and I've encouraged Christians time and again not to be "pew-warmers" but to be active in the church, to figure out what their role might be, and to fulfill it. What is your role in the church? What is mine? Are you using your talents, whatever they might be, to strengthen your brethren?

And certainly, these are very important points.

However, might I encourage you not only to "fill a role" but to be a "role-model?" In other words, excel in your role. Rather than expend minimal effort so that you can say, "I contributed to the church," go ALL OUT and thus STAND OUT as an OUTSTANDING Christian. 

Be like Joses, who so excelled at encouraging others that he was called "Barnabas by the apostles, which is translated Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36). Wow!

Or be like Dorcas, a woman who "was full of good works and charitable deeds" (Acts 9:36). When Dorcas died, she left such a legacy behind that her brethren praised her character and sought the help of the apostle Peter, who responded by raising her from the dead. What will be your legacy?

And then there is young Timothy, who "was well spoken of by the brethren who were in Lystra and Derbe" (Acts 16:2). Later, Paul said of Timothy: "But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel" (Phil. 2:22).

Or Epaphroditus who "was sick almost unto death...because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me" (Phil. 2:25-30).

Regarding a man named Epaphras, Paul said: "...a bondservant of Christ...always laboring fervently for you in prayers..." (Col. 4:12). Are you known for having such zeal for prayer?

Many other wonderful Christians of the first century are similarly exalted in the New Testament, but I'm sure you get the point. Again, don't just be a pew-warmer; figure out your purpose in the church, and how you can contribute to the growth of the body...but don't just stop there; don't just fill a role...

...BE A ROLE-MODEL!