During the years I lived aboard ships, I knew that whenever I heard the “all hands on deck” order, it was intended for every crew member not already engaged in essential work.
No one questioned whether to report for duty. Often, extra help was needed to load provisions delivered to the dock. Men and women dutifully formed a long human chain that wound over the decks and down to the food store. We hefted boxes from one person to another. The job was accomplished swiftly and with good-natured banter. After all, we knew we would all benefit.
When we become followers of Christ, we are, in effect, signing aboard a ship that will eventually carry us to heaven. Christ paid a big price to make this possible, and there is no free passage. Each of us is assigned duties to help the ship sail, and we are glad to perform them out of love and gratitude to our Captain. Additionally, we can expect times when “all hands” are called to a particular task. The Captain often challenges us to get involved with opportunities above and beyond the routine.
Christ did not give His command to carry His Good News to the world to just a handful of followers two thousand years ago. He still waits for some of us to obey. None of us are exempt. And until we take part, we cannot expect to receive His “well done” when we finally reach port.
Be grateful for the privilege of serving under God’s command, then commit to obeying His orders, whenever and wherever they lead.
Deborah Meroff served as a missionary writer and photographer for thirty years. While based in London, she was privileged to visit 115 countries, publishing scores of articles as well as a dozen books in different languages. She now resides in Maine, USA.