“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” 1st Corinthians 11:1
Recently I was at a Men’s breakfast where we celebrated the life of my friend Kenny. After eating we all had a chance to share our experiences and stories of him. It dawned on me that I remember thinking to myself when I first got saved that someday I wanted to grow up and be a man like Kenny.
I didn’t know Kenny at the time, but I knew his type. He was a quiet man who never preached a sermon, never wrote a book, or maybe never personally lead anyone to Christ. But he was a fixture of dependability, selflessness and knew God’s Word which made him a bold witness for God. Story after story told about a man who was the first one at Church in the morning, making sure everything was ready and a skilled craftsman that saw things to the finish. He was also the first person who greeted you at the door. It was always more than a “Hello, welcome”, he made it his business to somehow connect with you and would always have something in common. He was an Ambassador for Christ. Kenny is gone, How’s the “Next Man Up”?
What do you wanna be when you grow up? What does a Believer in Christ look like to you? One of the qualities I was told that should describe every believer is there should be a void if you should be vacant for a long period of time or gone. Would you be missed if you were gone tomorrow? Not that we live our lives to earn our salvation, but we should be using our gifts to do the work of the Ministry. One of the most important parts of being fed God’s word is “for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” Ephesians 4:12. I would hope that my absence would leave a spot for someone to fill. I look forward to seeing who God raises up to fill Kenny’s shoes. Whose shoes have you filled? “Next man up” should be the slogan for the Church of Jesus Christ. How great is it to see someone rise to the occasion and fill a void? Is God prompting you to fill in or start something new in your fellowship? I’m very careful to recommend an idea to my Pastor, the next words out of his mouth will be, “Put a plan together and let’s pray how God will use you”.
So, are you ready to be the “Next Man Up”?
Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri and serves with her as full-time staff members. He is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and is available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can reach him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org
