Wes and I have been visiting different churches recently.  The last church we visited was remarkably friendly.  The attendees were nicely attired so Wes and I stuck out as visitors with our blue jeans and T-shirts.  Still they went out of their way to greet and welcome us. 

After the service one sweet grandmotherly woman from our aisle rushed up to greet us. She asked if we were visitors and was thrilled that we were.  She kindly encouraged us, “Come back.  We need workers.”

Her comment stuck out to me.  “We need workers.”  I felt strangely devalued.  (I know that this was not her intent at all!)     

Yet she had no idea whether I was a Christian or not.  She didn’t know the condition of my spirit or my soul.  But she was upfront about putting my body into service to the church. 

Another church that we visited had a similar ethic.  When the topic was finances they were cautious about not wanting people to give from compulsion, but from cheerfulness.  However, in order to be a member they required a certain amount of time in service from you.  

I am not against people serving and loving the church!  I love serving the church.  Our whole ministry is about serving the bride of Christ!  But I have also seen the destruction that comes when people serve out of obligation.  And the destruction that happens when people’s spirit and soul aren’t cared for before they are put into positions to lead others. 

We are more than warm bodies to fit into a need that the church wants filled.  I want to be desired for more than just what I am able to do.  I want to be valued for who I am. I want to know others and be known by them. 

The earthly church’s desire for workers should never be confused for God’s desire. God doesn’t need workers.  He desires a relationship with you because He values you. He is the One that did the work for you. He wants you to know Him and be known by Him.  

I pray that we see the value in one another based on the price Christ paid for us.  I pray that any work we do is because He is the One working through us.   May the wellspring of Life overwhelm you with His love as you come to know Him!