I was reminded recently of the different roles we take in life.
Observer – things happen and we can come across them with little to no interest in it.
Spectator – we take more interest in what’s going on. We enjoy watching and even mention approval or disapproval, but that’s the level we go and no further. Some approaches to church attendance work on this concept.
Contributor – whether in money or in kind the interest is more meaningful. We want to say we helped towards something, and sometimes we get credit for that, but we may sponsor the activity but our input is not necessarily costly beyond that.
Participant/Partaker – full committed devotion to the activity in whatever role you’re given. You are a part of the whole and the whole is a big part of you. You take part and the part takes you. It’s how the best relationships work.
Jesus is not looking for observers or spectators. He’s concerned if we feel we just need to contribute from time to time. His broken body and shed blood was for the primary purpose of making us partakers with him and as a result with each other.
That has significant effects for life, church and everything. Are you partaking?
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 