Kingdom Service is not a Professional Gig 2

We used to think that only the United States, Russia, Japan, China, India, and the Europeans could do it–the Big Six.

All of that has changed now.

Last week, a private company sent the SpaceX Dragon capsule to the International Space Station, making it the first such mission to come from the private sphere.

And more missions will follow in the days to come.  More missions from the same company that birthed SpaceX.  But also, more missions from other companies as well.  It is a new day for the race for space.

In the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and 00s, such was only a dream for some. . . . and never even a thought for others.  Space was a game for only the Big players.

As I reflected on what has recently happened miles above my house, I could not help but think about the similarities between the astronautical mindset of the twentieth century and many Kingdom citizens today.

I have often heard people share that they cannot serve well because of something they do not have.

“I don’t have a degree.”

“I don’t have the time.”

“I don’t have the money.”

“I don’t know enough.”

And over the years, many of us have encouraged such thoughts.  Oh, of course we have not verbally expressed these thoughts, but we have made our convictions clear with our actions.

“You can’t. So, I will do the ministry for you.”  And we do.

“You can’t. For, I know the best way to do it.” And we do it the way that we think is “best”.

“You can’t. You are too inefficient.”  And we show them an efficient way, one they will never be able to achieve.

“You can’t. I have the degree.” And we remind them of this often by the way we communicate.

All Kingdom citizens are royal priests (1 Pet 2:9) to proclaim the Lord’s goodness to the world.  Everyone serves.  Everyone contributes to the mission.  All participate. There is no professional class in the Body of Christ.  No Big Six.

For those of us serving in an Ephesians 4:11 role, we must recognize that we have a great responsibility to equip others for the mission. Everyone serves. Everyone contributes to the mission. All participate.  There is no clergy/laity dichotomy.

For the longest time, only the biggest, smartest, wealthiest, and strongest countries had the capabilities for a space program.  Of course, such was the truth.  They had the resources, the networks, the scientists, etc.  The common person did not.  The private sector could only dream of such a day.

The Kingdom of God knows no such model. Everyone serves. Everyone contributes to the mission. All participate. There is no professional/amateur distinction.

“But J. D., they don’t have the proper education!”

The King has chosen the foolish things of this world to shame the wise (1 Cor 1:27-28).

“But J. D., they are not a professional like me!”

When they observed the boldness of Peter and John, seeing that they were “uneducated” and “common men,” they were astonished–for they recognized that they had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13).

(Image Source: Microsoft)