We Need Wider Doors

   A few years ago, the church camp I work with built some new buildings.  After construction was finished, we ended up with several pallets of leftover sheetrock.  A board member found someone willing to buy the extra but we needed to load it up for them.  The only problem was the sheetrock panels had been put it the building before the walls had been finished and now had to be taken out one piece at a time.  In one building, it was much more difficult because all the doors were small.  We had to twist and maneuver each piece out the door in an exhausting process.  However, the other building was much simpler since at the end of the building they had made a wider door.  The process was made so much easier and less tiresome by just that little bit more room.

  

   In 1^st Corinthians 16:9, Paul mentions that “a wide door for effective service has opened to me”.  I thought out this previous incidence when I heard this verse.  In my ministry I had seen both types of doors.  Some places will have opportunities for service but they narrow the doors by binding personal opinions and traditions.  They narrow the door with complaining and meddling. Apathy (I don’t care it is not my work) or competiveness (Your success might impinge on mine) might work to shrink the door as well.  The work still can be done but it takes much more time and much more effort.

   However, I seen those that widen the door as well. A positive attitude about the task and enthusiastic support will make the work easier. People that are do not “merely looking out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4).  People are willing to volunteer, help, and promote because they welcome opportunity instead of fearing it.

   What kind of doors do we create? Do we widen doors or shrink them? We may not be a major part in a work but we still can influence it by helping those in that service by widening the doors for them.