I drive past a small country church on my way home every afternoon. They have the kind of sign with a rotating message that someone still goes out and changes letter by letter, week by week. The content is always thought-provoking and sometimes a little punny, too.
This week, the message read:
“Spread the gospel
As you are able”
I guess the split in the phrases was due to spacing on the board, but I became fixated on the “as you are able” part. It reminded me of the great commission in Matthew 28, but the more it rolled around in my brain, the more each individual word seemed to carry its own weight.
As you are able.
As is a conjunction, meaning it joins clauses together. It provides reason, time, and manner to the thought. I love that the command here is to spread the gospel AS you are able. It feels like saying, whenever it comes up.
You can share the love of God anywhere, in any setting, at any time. This call spurs us to be the light in our daily lives just as much as when we are participating in organized service. As you are working at your job. As you are washing your pig next to other exhibitors. As you are in line at the grocery store.
As you are able.
God created YOU to be uniquely YOU. He knows how talented you are and how many quirks you have. He knows you can be a hot-head. But He made you in HIS image and desires a relationship with you. Thus, regardless of your training or how long you’ve been walking with the Lord, you are fully capable of sharing the good news with the world around you.
As you are able.
God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we could ask or imagine. So that means if we allow the Holy Spirit to move in and through us, we are able to do the thing that feels impossible. Showing up when you’d rather stay home. Walking into the ring when you don’t feel like it matters. Saying yes when it may be uncomfortable.
As you are able.
This is a big one for me as I work in a long term care facility. My patients are not physically able. They’d love to be out walking and talking and sharing their experiences with loved ones, but they are limited. I am acutely aware of the health that I have at this time and how capable I am to serve God in ways I couldn’t when I was young, nor will I be able to do down the road. He has given us tools and resources to do the work prepared for us ahead of time. It may feel like you’re not enough or don’t have enough, but as it is written, it is not I but He who is in me that makes me able to do what I’m called to do. He doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called (psst..that’s YOU).
Friend, your light is meant to shine for others. You are able. You are loved and you have what it takes.
What’s the thing God has laid on your heart that you have been hesitant to do? I’m praying and believing that you will spread the gospel this week, as you are able.
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