Author Ray Bradbury has this to say to those who worry about how to take the first step: “What can we writers learn from lizards, lift from birds? In quickness is truth. The faster you blurt, the more swiftly you write, the more honest you are.” Just do it, Bradbury is saying. Stop thinking so hard and get started. You have the gifts within you to make a difference. Now use them.
In Romans 12, Paul gives similar advice. The church was new and people were just learning what it meant to follow Christ in community with people from both Jewish and Gentile backgrounds. Conflicts were bubbling up. People were finding it difficult to come together.
Paul reminds the Romans that we each are gifted with skills and talents that not only benefit our community, but that are needed. “We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us,” he writes. Further he adds this advice: “Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.” Stop thinking about it! Just do it!
This message is excerpted from “Serving with zeal” by Sarah Carson in the May/June 2023 Gather magazine.
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