In a world often focused on personal gain and comfort, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters in the eyes of God. But if we want to live a life of purpose and fulfillment – the abundant life Jesus promised – we must align our priorities with His. At the core of God’s heart lies a profound concern for the lost, the hurting, and the broken. As followers of Christ, we are called to share this passion and actively participate in His mission of redemption.
The Church as a Spiritual Trauma Unit
Imagine a bustling emergency room, where every second counts and lives hang in the balance. Now, picture the local church in the same light – a spiritual trauma unit designed to treat souls on the brink of eternal separation from God. This is the true purpose of the church – not a social club or a safe bubble, but a place of healing and restoration for those who are spiritually bleeding and dying.
Jesus himself modeled this priority. He didn’t spend His time exclusively with the religious elite or those who had it all together. Instead, we find Him dining with tax collectors and sinners, much to the dismay of the religious authorities. When questioned about His choice of company, Jesus responded with profound clarity: “Healthy people don’t need a doctor – sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners” (Mark 2:17).
The Parable of the Lost Sheep, Coin, and Son
To drive home the importance of seeking the lost, Jesus shared three interconnected parables in Luke 15. Each story emphasizes God’s relentless pursuit of those who have strayed:
1. The Lost Sheep: A shepherd leaves 99 safe sheep to search for one that’s wandered away.
2. The Lost Coin: A woman turns her house upside down searching for a single lost coin.
3. The Prodigal Son: A father eagerly awaits and celebrates the return of his wayward son.
These parables reveal a startling truth – while God cares for all His children, His priority is rescuing those who are lost. He rejoices more over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous persons who need no repentance. This challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are we more concerned with our own comfort and spiritual growth, or do we share God’s passion for reaching the lost?
Saved People Serve People
If we truly understand the heart of God, it should fundamentally change how we approach our faith and our role in the church. Jesus set the ultimate example of servanthood when He washed His disciples’ feet on the night before His crucifixion. This act, traditionally performed by the lowliest servants, demonstrated that no task is beneath us when it comes to serving others.
Jesus told His disciples, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14). This command goes far beyond literal foot washing – it’s a call to humble ourselves and serve others, especially those who are lost and broken.
Here are three practical ways we can embrace this “foot-washing” mentality:
1. Do whatever you can do – You may not be able to do everything, but there’s always something you can contribute.
2. Do what needs to be done – Don’t wait for someone else to step up; take initiative to meet needs around you.
3. Do what seems beneath you – Be willing to take on unglamorous tasks for the sake of others.
Jesus promises that when we live this way, we will experience true happiness and fulfillment.
The Church in Action: A Well-Choreographed Mission
Every aspect of a church gathering should be viewed through the lens of reaching and serving the lost. From the parking lot attendants to the worship team, from the children’s ministry volunteers to the prayer warriors – each role plays a vital part in creating an environment where broken people can encounter the healing power of Christ.
Consider these examples:
– Greeters and hospitality teams aren’t just being polite – they’re “fishing for people,” helping newcomers feel welcome and lowering barriers to encountering God.
– Children’s and youth ministry workers aren’t merely babysitting – they’re on the front lines of spiritual warfare, nurturing faith in the next generation.
– Production teams ensure a distraction-free environment where people can focus on hearing from God.
– Prayer teams intercede for every seat, preparing the way for the Holy Spirit to work in hearts.
No one is too busy or too important to serve in God’s mission. Even those with demanding careers and family responsibilities can find ways to contribute. It’s not about how much time you have, but about prioritizing what truly matters.
A Personal Challenge
As you reflect on this message, consider these questions:
1. Do I truly care about what God cares about? Does my heart break for the lost and broken?
2. Am I more concerned with my own spiritual comfort or with reaching those who don’t know Christ?
3. How can I actively participate in God’s mission of seeking and saving the lost?
4. What areas of service have I avoided because they seemed “beneath me”?
5. How can I use my unique gifts and position to further God’s kingdom?
Remember, the church was never meant to be about us – our comfort, our preferences, our spiritual growth alone. While these things have their place, our primary focus should be on those who are not yet part of God’s family. When we align our hearts with God’s priorities, we’ll discover the abundant, purposeful life He intends for us.
Let’s commit to being a church that functions as a spiritual trauma unit – ready to roll up our sleeves, get our hands dirty, and participate in the life-saving work of the Gospel. For it’s in losing ourselves in service to others that we truly find the life God created us to live.