Worthy To Serve

by Bud Lambert

Deciding who mayor may not serve in a particular capacity in the
church (e.g. leading prayers, leading singing, serving the Lord's Supper, reading scripture, teaching Bible classes, etc.) is a problem which often arises in today's church. It can often result in hurt feelings, confusion, and discord. God, however, has given us guidance to avoid these. Let's notice two Biblical truths.
One truth is that anyone who is receiving the grace of God is worthy to serve. The apostle Paul, who refers to himself as the "worst of sinners" ( I Timothy 1: 17), says he was appointed by Jesus, to serve Jesus, because of the mercy and grace of God that was given him ( 1 Timothy 1: 12-17). Notice, Paul refers to himself as a sinner in the present tense.
We learn from this that, in deciding who can or cannot serve God, we should not base our decision on whether or not a man is a sinner, for we're all sinners ( I John 1:8-10). But instead, we should base our decision on whether or not a sinful man is receiving God's grace. For without God's grace, no man is worthy to serve; but with God's grace, all men are worthy to serve.
A person who willfully and habitually makes a practice of sin that is, he is not trying to obey God - does not receive God's grace ( 1 John 1:7; 1 John 3:7-10; 1 John 5:17-18). Therefore, as a long as a baptized believer is trying his best to obey God, he is worthy to serve, because he is receiving God's grace. But if he habitually makes a practice of disobeying God, he is unworthy to serve, because he is not receiving God's grace.
A second truth is that just because a person is worthy to serve, it does not mean that it is expedient for them to serve in every capacity. John Mark was worthy to serve God. However, because of John's immaturity, Paul did not think it would be expedient for him to serve as a missionary on the second missionary journey ( Acts 15:36-41). Thus, level of maturity, physical health, ability, personality, and many other variables must also be taken into consideration when church leaders decide who mayor may not serve in a particular role.
Let's strive to be worthy to serve. And let's respect and submit to our elders as they work to help us all use our abilities in a way that is most expedient for this congregation ( Hebrews 13:17).

• Grace and Works -Jan 27, 2008
• Why are We Here? -Oct 08, 2000
• God's Love and Self Esteem -Feb 06, 2000