There’s an expression: All hands on deck. It comes from the world of ships. When there is trouble, all hands (i.e. people) are needed to pitch in and help. A storm isn’t a time to stargaze or to nap in a hammock somewhere. You’re needed!

With that in mind, one of the historic metaphors for the church is a ship. And guess what? It’s stormy out! There are ideological storms. There are political storms. The truth of God and the love of Christ are under continual attack. The winds are blowing. These are crazy times.

Oh, and the ship is often embattled from within as well. There is apathy or lukewarmness. False teaching can creep in if you’re not careful. Consumerism plagues our attitudes towards the body of Christ more than we realize.

You’ve probably already made the connection. It’s all hands on deck. 

Do we receive? Yes. But we also give.
Do we benefit? Yes. But we also serve.

Your presence matters. Your prayers matter. Your help matters. Paul writes something that is as true now as it was then: “From [Christ] the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (Ephesians 4:16).

As each part does its work. 

For those with the name of Jesus on their hearts and minds, there are no spectators, only disciples.

Do you want a church—both local and global—which is healthy, strong and faithful? Me too. Do you want a life of purpose, usefulness and love which brings glory to God and blesses others? Me too.

It’s all hands on deck—for yours are the hands of Jesus to a world in a whirlwind.

---

Notes:

–The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on February 5, 2024.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.