Answering the Call to Sacrifice

A Summary of Sunday’s Message, November 17, 2024

Dear Church Family,

Last Sunday, we reflected on our daily lived communion in Christ—our fellowship within His body, marked by the mutual giving and receiving of God’s manifold gifts and grace. Today, I want to revisit that message to encourage deeper personal reflection and strengthen our resolve to embrace the gifts God has entrusted to us. By overcoming self-doubt, we can unlock abundant fruit, not only in our own lives but throughout our community.

The True Meaning of Communion

The word communion comes from the Latin communio, meaning “the exchange of gifts.” This term points us beyond ritual, inviting us into a vibrant, living practice of sharing God’s grace with each other. Communion is about exchanging the spiritual gifts God has entrusted to each of us so that the body of Christ flourishes.

While we often focus on the body’s ability to confront and expel harmful elements, we must also emphasize its ability to grow—receiving nutrients, grace, strength, and vitality. This growth happens when we actively contribute our unique gifts to the community.

We are called not just to live but to live while giving—freely offering what we have freely received. However, a common challenge hinders this process: we sometimes neglect to fully develop and share the gifts God has given us. Instead, we may find ourselves coveting roles or talents not intended for us. When we do this, we disrespect God’s plan and deprive the body of Christ of the unique contributions we are meant to bring.

The Trap of Coveting Other Gifts

The enemy often tempts us to desire what we are not, seducing us away from who God has called us to be. This deception is dangerous, as our callings are essential for the growth and maturity of the church—both locally and globally.

At times, we mask this struggle under the guise of humility, engaging in self-pity or focusing on what we think we lack. But true humility isn’t about diminishing ourselves; it’s about magnifying God. Genuine humility, rooted in faith, empowers us to fulfill God’s purposes.

Self-deprecation that does not glorify the Lord is a false offering—it displeases Him. Nowhere in Scripture does God commend negativity or self-pity in response to His calling. Such attitudes lower expectations, providing an excuse to avoid striving for the high standards God sets for us.

Moreover, this mindset reveals dissatisfaction with God’s will—wishing for something different rather than embracing His purpose for our lives. Leaders especially, may God deliver you from the “grass is greener on the other side” syndrome. Instead of blaming circumstances, recognize the need for transformation in your own heart—right where you are. When that change occurs, fruitfulness begins.

Bearing Fruit Where You Are Planted

Consider the words of the Lord through Jeremiah to the Israelites in captivity. While false prophets promised an easy return to Jerusalem, God’s true message was this:

“Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” —Jeremiah 29:5-7

God followed this instruction with an assurance that still resonates:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.” —Jeremiah 29:11

The message is clear: don’t wait until your circumstances change to start bearing fruit. Right where you are, God has a mission for you. Fulfill that task where you’re planted, and God will lead you to places where it’s even easier to flourish. But beware of the lie that whispers, Wait until your situation improves before you give your all. This is the devil’s ploy to delay your obedience and steal your fruitfulness.

Overcoming Self-Doubt and Excuses

Our journey of faith often faces obstacles in the form of self-doubt and excuses. These barriers hinder us from fully embracing God’s call. Consider Moses, who protested:

“Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent... I am slow of speech and tongue.” —Exodus 4:10

God’s response was firm and empowering:

“Who gave human beings their mouths?... Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” —Exodus 4:11-12

Similarly, when Jeremiah hesitated, saying he was too young, God corrected him:

“Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.” —Jeremiah 1:7

By fixating on our limitations, we dishonor God. Saying “I am not able” when God has equipped us is not humility—it is disbelief.

The Danger of Idolizing Personal Dreams

One key lesson in serving God is avoiding the trap of idolizing the dreams He places in our hearts. These visions are meant to inspire us, not replace Him as Lord. When we cling too tightly to our own ideas of how things should unfold, we risk resisting God’s present direction.

Dreams can inspire movement, but they also change, adapt, and evolve. When they come to fruition, they often look entirely different from what you expected. The quickest way to frustrate God’s purpose is to let your dream clash with His present call. If God says, “Get up and go,” and you respond, “But my dream says it should look like this,” then your dream has become an idol.

Abraham’s life illustrates this danger. God promised to make a mighty nation from him, yet Abraham faltered when the dream interfered with his obedience. God told him, “Go, and don’t take anyone with you.” But Abraham insisted on bringing Lot, believing he needed someone to help fulfill the promise. His focus shifted from trusting the Creator to managing the dream.

Instead of saying, “I know God told me it’s going to be like this,” we should say, “God has placed His purpose in my heart. He knows the plans He has for me, and all I know is that He is the plan. If He says, ‘Go,’ I’ll go. If He says, ‘Come,’ I’ll come. I belong to Him.”

Embracing God’s Promises Amidst Weakness

Feelings of inadequacy are not unique. Many biblical figures wrestled with self-doubt:

• Moses: “I can’t speak.”
• Gideon: “My clan is the weakest.” (Judges 6:15)
• David: “I am a worm and not a man.” (Psalm 22:6)
• Paul: “I am the chief of sinners.” (1 Timothy 1:15)

Yet, God’s responses overflow with assurance:

• To Moses: “I will help you speak and teach you what to say.” (Exodus 4:12)
• To Gideon: “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” (Judges 6:12)
• To David: “You are fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14)
• To Paul: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

God’s message is clear: our limitations do not limit Him. His strength is made perfect in our weakness.

Moving Forward in Faith

God has called us to something extraordinary, requiring all our strength, grace, and faith. Let us take hold of His promises:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” —Joshua 1:9

“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty. —Zechariah 4:6

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” —Hebrews 13:5

Conclusion: Answering the Call

Our struggles with inadequacy are real, but God’s assurances are greater. It’s time to lay aside every excuse and step into His purpose with confidence, knowing:

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” —Philippians 1:6

Together, as each of us embraces our God-given role, we will witness not only growth in numbers but a deepening of maturity and unity in Christ.