By Robin Wiley
Back in January 2018, I wrote this devotional for one off our Sunday services and then we put the story in our newsletter that year. I remember as if it was yesterday, where my husband Scott, was sitting at our kitchen table going over physics problems/questions with Hannah regarding the MCAT exam she was planning on taking later that month.
One example that really resonated with me, was how he had explained density – by giving her examples of practical things she was used to hearing – such as the saying “the tip of the iceberg.” You know that idiom, right? You are only seeing “the tip of the iceberg” with that person. or the way this team is playing, you are only seeing “the tip of the iceberg” on how they can be successful.
The tip of the iceberg – if you were actually looking at it scientifically and factually -the tip is only 10% of the iceberg. The other 90% you do not see – it’s under water. The same goes for when you use it for a situation, you mean that there is more to it than what can be seen or experienced.
Isn’t that amazing? Same could be said with the ministries we do here at FBC. You give 10% and you might see only 10% if you just only come on Sundays and/or Wednesdays – you are only seeing 10% of what our ministries do during the week. The other 90% that you might not see are the many other soul care activities we do – such as visitations and hospital visits, counseling sessions, music lessons and practices, researching and writing sermons, Bible studies and lesson plans, being prayer warriors, helping to keep someone’s lights on, feeding our community once a month and many other things – too many to list here.
There is certainly a lot going on with “being the church.” Your tithing, whatever amount, goes to support the many ways we “know Him and make Him known.” When you serve or volunteer to “be the church” – you are serving the kingdom with what you were given by God by sharing it with others, whether it’s your time, talents, or treasures.
“We will never change the world by going to church. We will only change the world by being the church.”–Unknown.
“When the church is being the church, there is no community that can compare to the church.” Eric Mason.
“Don’t let a building confine your faith because we will never change the world by just going to church, we need to be the church.”- Unknown.
“Don’t just go to church, be the church.” -Unknown[1]
Come join us at the’ tip of the iceberg’ and ‘be the church’!
Prayer:
Father God – thank you for the Good News of Jesus! Help me to be part of the people who are working together, using our gifts to serve others and to live out your grace, love and truth in our daily walks. Thank you for this day – may it be blessed beyond measure! In Jesus’ name – Amen.
[1] Ann Marie with Busy Blessed Women Blog, https://busyblessedwomen.com/be-the-church/