Stand Up & Do Your Thing – Fill Your Pulpit!

(Recommended reading:  Acts 6:1-7)

I believe that there are things we each are destined to do in and with our lives.  Some people recognize what this is early in their life and pursue it.  Some learn it along the way, while others fall into it by accident.  Then there are those that ignore or avoid it, or just don’t seem to “get it”.

One day this week, my devotional was titled “Every Calling Is Significant” and the scripture passage with it was the one I recommended above.  Verse 1 talks about the unrest among some of the believers because they thought their widows weren’t receiving equal treatment with others.  This caused the apostles to step back and re-evaluate how things were being done.  They realized their primary responsibility was to focus on preaching and teaching, not dealing with issues that could be handled by others.  Being good administrators, they delegated the responsibility to correct the issue at hand, to seven trusted men. 

Some people might take that story and determine that the men appointed to handle the problem were of lesser importance than the apostles.  But that couldn’t be further from the truth, because as the title stated, every calling is significant.  God has chosen each of us to do our part.  Chris Tiegreen, the author of the devotional says:  “If you’re familiar with the book of Acts, you know where the story turns next: away from the apostles and toward the deacons.  The following chapters are all about the remarkable works of Stephen and Phillip, who had been appointed to serve tables for widows and were declaring the gospel and demonstrating its miraculous ways.  They were not second-rate workers in the Kingdom of God or support staff for those with a ‘real’ ministry.  They, too, were filled with the Spirit and wisdom of God.  Their calling was just as significant, if not as prominent, as that of the apostles.”

A few of the Bible verses that confirm we are chosen/called to do our share for God’s kingdom:

Jesus speaking said:  “‘You did not choose me. I chose you and sent you out to produce fruit, the kind of fruit that will last. Then my Father will give you whatever you ask for in my name.’”  (John 15:16 CEV)

“We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are chosen to be a part of His plan.”  (Romans 8:28 NLV)

“Therefore, believers, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you [be sure that your behavior reflects and confirms your relationship with God]; for by doing these things [actively developing these virtues], you will never stumble [in your spiritual growth and will live a life that leads others away from sin]; for in this way entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly provided to you.”  (2 Peter 1:10-11 AMP)

Notice how each of those verses offer promises when we fulfill our calling.

Mr. Tiegreen talks about how everything we do, every encounter we have, gives us an opportunity to “‘teach and preach’”.  This doesn’t mean that you have to constantly be barraging people with preachy messages.  Mr. Tiegreen continues on with this explanation:  “Every activity offers a platform to love, serve, trust, encourage, comfort, pray, and do the works of God.”  To me that says that there are no circumstances in our daily lives that can’t be used to fulfill our calling.  Many times things we say and do aren’t even intended to “minister” to someone, but does exactly that – touches a life in a special way.

This all reminded me how a number of weeks ago the pastors at my church started speaking to us about “Fill Your Pulpit”.  They basically were talking about the kind of things I’ve pointed out above.  You don’t have to stand before a congregation, behind a pulpit to minister to others – to fulfill your calling.  They provided some bookmarks for us that on one side allowed us to list some people that we want to mindfully pray for to find salvation.  But on the other side they provided some simple suggestions of things we can do that allows us to “fill our pulpit”.  Those suggestions are:

*”Let a stranger go ahead of you in line.”

*”Call/text someone you haven’t heard from in a while.”

*”Learn the names of your immediate neighbors and pray for them.”

*”Ask a friend/coworker how you can lighten his/her load.”

*”Deliver dinner/treats to a friend/neighbor.”

These are all pretty simple things – and the list could be limitless with other ideas – that could have an impact on someone else’s life.  If we do things – even very simple things – prayerfully, they can make a real difference.

So I would challenge you to consider what simple things you can incorporate into your daily life that could be a true blessing to someone else.  Just stand up and do your thing!  Fill your pulpit!

Written by Karran Martin – April 27, 2024

[All bold/underline used for emphasis is mine]