Scripture Reference: Mark 2:1-12

Our Need to Be Useful – the Philanthropists

My imagination is captured by these four nameless friends of the paralytic. When I read this story, I imagine what might happen should one of our worship services be interrupted by latecomers bringing people to Christ from all over the community that our church serves. There are two things which frighten me about such a thought. One is that some church members would be upset or not understand because worship was interrupted. The other is that it is hard to imagine such an occurrence because, the truth is, we so seldom bring people, no matter the state they are in, to the feet Christ. Perhaps this is why these four men are so compelling to me. They represent the mission of the church and our need to be useful to God in carrying out that mission.

In his book Your Other Vocation, Elton Trueblood said:

“Unless we can go to work with God on Monday, we are not likely, in the long run, to have any effective worship of God on Sunday, and if we do engage in the latter, it becomes a sham.” ¹

The four men of this story are remarkable in many ways. For one thing, they’re cooperative in their efforts. What they accomplished cooperatively would have been impossible individually. Fulfilling the mission of the church, which in essence, is bringing people to Jesus, is possible when we are united in our efforts.

Their compassion is commendable. In a world where it was easy not to care about anything or anyone, here was a group of persons who were motivated by love.

They were also creative in their techniques. If I had been one of the four fellows, I would have probably given up at the crowded door and suggested to the others that we return the paralytic to his home.

The most remarkable thing about these four men, however, was the conviction of their hearts. They were convinced that Jesus could make a difference in the paralytic’s life if they could only succeed in bringing him to Christ.

When Jesus looked up at these four men as they lowered their friend to His feet, what do you think Jesus admired most about them? Their cooperation? Their compassion? Their creativity? Perhaps! But, I think what most impressed Him was their belief in His power to change life dramatically and their willingness to do anything to see it happen. The Bible says, “When Jesus saw their faith,” He was moved to help the paralytic. It was their faith in Christ and the difference He could make in their friend’s life which impressed Jesus.

Sometimes, I think it is important for us to ask ourselves what we believe Jesus can do for the people we bring to Him. What do you believe deep down? What difference can He make in the lives of those with whom you work? Can Christ do anything for your neighbor next door? Are you allowing Him to make a difference in your own life? If there’s anything the church needs today, it is a renewal of belief in the power of Christ to change human lives’. And, if there’s anything each individual believer needs, it is fresh commitment to the church’s mission of bringing people to Jesus. We all have a need to be useful. The mission of the church can meet your need. It goes without saying, your enjoyment of worship is unmistakably tied to your involvement in the church’s mission. Worship without witness is a contradiction in living the life of faith.

To Be Continued

¹ Elton Trueblood, Your Other Vocation (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1952)
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.