There are a lot of people, who may come to church, but don’t want to become involved in serving their church. Their level of commitment to Christ and His church is minimal. I know that many people feel they are too busy. But, being too busy is often a matter of the priority our faith holds in our lives.

As I look at the need for good influences for our youth and adults on the Kenai Peninsula, I realize the need is overwhelming. We see dysfunction being dealt with in our court systems and by social workers. We see addictions of every kind. We have a very serious humanitarian crisis in the homeless situation. We see the tragic suicides of our youth and of every age group. Society has changed to the point of crumbling from within. I love people. I spent years in higher education and delighted in the secular successes of students. But even an optimist like me, can see an enormous change in America in the past 50 years. Most societies and nations have a life span. We need to intervene with the hope of Christ to turn around the downhill slide.

Jesus said, “Follow Me.” Of course, to follow Jesus Christ, we need to love Him as He loves us. It is amazing how our priorities change, when we really care and want to do something. Our eager attitude also makes the effort seem light.

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus is speaking to you and me about our service to Him and His church.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Have you ever thought much about yokes for oxen? They were fitted very well to the oxen by carpenters. These carpenters brought in the oxen for several fittings of the yokes as they made them. Jesus was a carpenter. I suspect He may have known about wooden yokes. Yokes were well-fitted, so they were comfortable.

There are ministries for which each one of us is “well-fitted.” Once you make a commitment to your church ministry in faith, God will equip you for that ministry. Jesus said: “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me.” Our verse also says that Jesus will be gentle and humble in heart with you. Instead of being worn out by your service, Jesus says: “ and you will find rest for your souls”. His yoke is easy and His burden upon you is light.

Strongly consider growing and ministering to others through your church. People desperately need your influence, your example of Christian teaching and Christian living. People need a positive relationship with you. It can bring hope, save a family, save a life, and it can save our country.

Dr. Roger Holl is pastor of Sterling Grace Community Church and president of VisionAlaska, Inc. Charis Fellowship Ministries, with ministries in church revitalization, Christian radio and African ministries. Sterling Grace Community Church meets at the Sterling Senior Center on Sundays at 10:30 am. All ages are welcome.