Every Critter’s God a Job in God’s Barn

Well, mercy me, this here new day came ‘a-trottin’ in like a friendly farm dog, tail waggin, remindin you that God is up to somethin good, and He is ‘a-callin you to enjoy every minute of it. Romans 12 says we are all one body in Christ, each one of us with real different gifts, kind o’ like a whole barnyard plum full o’ them there animals that all got their own job. The rooster is ‘a-crowin’, the cows are ‘a-grazin’, the goats are ‘a-plottin’ their escape, and them chickens, well, they done be ‘a-panicin’ for no real reason at all. But ever doggone one of ‘em belongs right there in that there barnyard.

Now some folks done be ‘a-treatin’ church like it’s some kind o’ buffet line. “Let’s be ‘a-tryin’ this one. No, let’s be ‘a-tryin’ that one. No, let’s be ‘a-goin’ where the coffee done be ‘a-tastin’ a whole lot less like pond water.” But church ain’t no restaurant. It’s a family. And if you’re a real believer, you’re done part of that there family whether you’re ‘a-feelin’ like them there prized show ponies or a confused possum ‘a-wanderin’ out into the wrong yard.

Some folks are ‘a-sayin’, “I just don’t get too much out of church.” Well, buttercup, sometimes that’s ‘cause they done showed up ‘bout as often as a groundhog in July. You can’t be ‘a-growin’ roots if you keep on ‘a-hoppin’ from church to  church like an ol’ bullfrog on hot pavement. You gotta be settlein’ in. Pluggin’ in. Bein’ part of what God’s ‘a-doin’.

And listen here, you don’t have to be preachin’, teachin’, or singin’ like one o’ them there meadowlarks. Maybe you can go an’ be ‘a-greetin’ folks, stackin’ chairs, rockin’ babies, runnin’ sound, bakin’ biscuits, or prayin’ like a saint who is ‘a-knowin’ the Lord personally. Romans 12:6-8 says that “we all got gifts, and we are supposed to use ‘em.” Not be ‘a-buryin’ ‘em. Not be ‘a-hidin’ ‘em. Not be ‘a-waitin’ until we’re ‘a-feelin’ real worthy, holy, or less like a spiritual raccoon ‘a-rummagin’ through life.

When you stop ‘a-sittin’ on the sidelines and start ‘a-‘servin, church done changes. Suddenly you ain’t ‘a-watchin’ ministry ‘a-happenin’. You’re done a part of it. And the Lord done uses you in ways that are gonna be ‘a-makin’ you shake your head and say, “Well, slap my knee and call me real surprised, God really can use me!”

Father, thank You for givin me real gifts that matter. Show me where to be ‘a-servin’, how to be lovin’, and how to be blessin’ others with what You done put in me. Help me be faithful, joyful, and ready to be ’a-workin’ for Your glory. In Jesus mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.

Well, I reckon that there is enough truth to fill a big ol’ feed trough. Now, you go on out there, friend, and be rememberin’ that church ain’t them other people. Church is us. And it takes the whole doggone barnyard to be ‘a-makin’ things to be ‘a-runnin’ much better when single ever one of them there critters does its special part!

With joy,

Gwen