I'd like to talk to the manager!

A familiar phrase we can all relate to at some point in our life. Generally, the statement arises when there is an unmet need. Going to the manager or leadership is not wrong, however is it always necessary? Depending on the situation, it may very well be the best choice. While serving in an administrative role, I always stopped what I was doing to speak with those presenting with concerns. After resolving the matter, 99% of the time I knew the supervisors, managers, or employees could've handled it.

Now let's apply this to the needs of a church body. Are you walking through the valley becoming weary? When difficulty arrives, for me, I initially want my needs taken care of immediately. "I want to talk to the manager!" I believe the manager (pastor) is the quickest and a sure way to meet my need. If we go to the manager (pastor) we by-pass the support staff (church body). If you think about it, we lack faith when we do this. First, we lack faith in ourselves as believers and the church body. It insinuates we (the body of believers) are not capable of presenting our needs to God through prayer. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19 NKJV

Ultimately, our faith is not to be put into the pastor, self, or church body. Our faith is in God! 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrew 11:6 NKJV

When times are difficult, the desire to have another believer stand and support is common. It is written in Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” We must consider the manager is busy with the entire operations of the business. The same consideration applies to the pastor. Their days are filled with planning, preparing, and putting out fires. The pastor may have minimal time, whereas others would dedicate more. The body has giftings and experiences that the pastor doesn't possess. The body has powerful testimonies that can strengthen their brothers and sisters. When we bypass the church body we miss out on valuable wisdom, love, and support.

The church body is called to be salt and light. We can be salt and light at church and outside of church. We exemplify salt and light with our words, deeds, and values which points people to God.

13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16 NKJV

In a difficult time, I found the body of believers to be salt and light. They poured the love of Jesus into my life in unexpected ways. Reach out to a member of the church body, they may have exactly what you need to hear! You can also reach out to others; you may be the only one who reflects the nature of God in someone's life today.