Involvement: Evolved, Devolved, Uninvolved
Involvement in the work of a local congregation is necessary. It is necessary because God expects that His children will be active participants and partners in the work of the Church that His Son built. “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God…” (Ephesians 2:19).
Involvement in the work of a local congregation is unique. It is unique because each one’s involvement springs from the unique gifts given by God Himself. “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (I Peter 4:10).
From the beginning years of the Church, there have been struggles over the involvement levels of the members. Paul wrote to the Corinthians about struggles among the members over the value of their involvement (I Corinthians 12). They were acting as though there are some areas of involvement that are so much more important that it may other areas of involvement of no value at all. So, he told them, “But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.” (verse 18).
The struggle at Ephesus seemed to be one centered on involvement without togetherness. They seemed not to be a connected body because of there were both Gentiles and Jews in that congregation. So, Paul told them, in addition to the reference above, that they were “…being fitted together…being built together…” (Ephesians 2:21-22).
In Thessalonica, many had quit their involvement. So, Paul told them, “For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.” (II Thessalonians 3:11).
In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he closed with an interesting reference to various individuals and their involvement in the work of the Lord. The text is II Timothy 4:9-16. Paul wrote about Demas whose involvement had devolved into no involvement. “Demas has forsaken me having loved this present world and has departed for Thessalonica…” (verse 10). Any time a discussion of involvement comes up we must consider those who have devolved in their involvement.
Next, Paul mentioned John Mark and told Timothy to “…bring him with you for he is useful to me for ministry.” (verse 11). John Mark’s involvement had evolved in the eyes of Paul. Recall that when Paul determined to go on the second missionary journey, Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them. Paul, however, rejected that idea because he had left them on the first journey. Now, Paul wants him. Our involvement should constantly be evolving.
Paul also mentioned Alexander the coppersmith who “…did me much harm.” (verse 14). I Timothy 1:20 informs us that he was uninvolved. He admonished Timothy, “…having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.” Alexander was uninvolved having rejected what Paul taught.
There is no doubt that God has called us to involvement. Are you one who is evolving into more involvement? Are you devolved when once you were involved? Or, are you one who is still uninvolved?
