.....maintenance

Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation Mark 16:15

A group of visitors was touring a large grease factory — an impressive operation, full of noise, motion, and activity. Machines whirled, wheels turned, and workers stayed busy mixing and packaging what the guide claimed to be the finest machine lubricants in the world. But as the tour wrapped up, one visitor asked, "Where’s the shipping department?”

The guide’s response: "Oh, we don’t have a shipping department. It takes all the grease we produce just to keep our own machines running.” Sound familiar? Sometimes churches, ministries,  and even individual Christians can become so inward-focused that all their spiritual “grease” is used up maintaining their own programs, preferences, and people. There’s a lot of activity and effort, but if there’s no outreach — no real sharing of the gospel — then we’re only fueling ourselves.

It’s easy to fall into this trap. We attend Bible classes, participate in church events, and fill our schedules with religious activity. But if all that spiritual nourishment never leaves the building -- if it never reaches our conversations at work, our interactions with neighbors, or our daily relationships — then we’re just keeping our own gears turning. We may look productive, but in reality, we’re spinning in place.

The early church didn’t grow because Christians huddled together. It grew because they spoke boldly about Jesus. Wherever they went, they talked about the risen Christ. They shared their lives, yes — but they also opened their mouths, proclaiming the message of salvation, even when it cost them.

Jesus didn’t just tell us to learn the gospel — He commanded us to proclaim it. Our goal isn’t to build a well-oiled machine that serves only those within. Our goal is to be a people on a mission, reaching out with the good news of Jesus Christ.

Who around you needs to hear the message of hope today? Who needs to know that Jesus loves them, died for them, and rose again to give them life? Look for an opportunity today to not only serve someone but also to speak to them about the Savior. Let’s not just spin our wheels — let’s move forward, opening our mouths and carrying the gospel into the world.

- alan smith

Father, forgive me when I become so focused on maintaining my own comfort or spiritual habits that I forget your mission. Open my eyes to see the people around me who need you. Give me the courage and compassion to reach out, to serve, and to speak up. In Jesus' name, amen.