ANDY ANDERSON
In 2018, the town of Paradise, California, was almost completely destroyed by fire. Over 150,000 acres burned, more than 18,000 buildings were lost, and 85 people died. The film The Lost Bus tells the true story of one man, a bus driver named Kevin, who risked his life to save others. When flames surrounded the area and parents couldn’t reach their children, Kevin drove into the fire to rescue twenty-two students and two teachers. The bus was damaged, the tires were melting, and the air was filled with smoke, but he refused to stop. For five hours, he fought through the fire until everyone was safe.
This story is a picture of what the church is meant to be. A community on a rescue mission. Like Kevin’s bus, the church is not meant for comfort or ease. It is not a cruise ship for passengers but a rescue bus heading into danger for the sake of others. Jesus is the one who drives that bus. He entered the fire of sin and death to save people who could not save themselves. His church continues that work by going after those still trapped in the flames of life’s struggles, whether in broken families, illness, or despair.
The Bible’s message, especially in Romans 12, teaches that being rescued by Christ also means becoming part of His rescue team. Believers are not saved to sit still. Once we are on the bus, we each have a part to play. The ride is free, but the calling carries responsibility. Every Christian has gifts and talents meant to serve others in the body of Christ.
The first lesson of Romans 12 is selflessness. A follower of Jesus cannot live for pride or attention. The Apostle Paul reminds believers not to think too highly of themselves but to see their lives through humility. All abilities and opportunities come from God. Without humility, unity cannot exist. The church only works when people think less about themselves and more about one another.
The next lesson is oneness. The church is called “the body of Christ,” with many members working together. Each person has a role, and no one can do everything alone. Just as the parts of a body have different functions but one purpose, the church must move together under Christ’s direction. Saying “I love Jesus but not His church” misses the truth that the church is His body. To reject it is to reject part of Him.
Selflessness leads to unity, and unity makes ministry possible. Romans 12 lists several kinds of gifts: prophecy, serving, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, and mercy. Each believer receives a unique mix of these gifts to strengthen the church. Serving is not meant to be a burden but a blessing. People should use their gifts with gladness and eagerness. A servant who helps unwillingly or a leader who leads without energy harms the body’s health.
Some people say they can be Christians without belonging to a church. But that is like saying, “I’m a musician without a band,” or “I’m a soldier without an army.” A Christian without a church community loses the support, accountability, and purpose that God designed for believers to share. Every Christian belongs in the body, and when someone is missing, the whole church becomes weaker.
The early followers of Jesus understood this. Historians note that the church grew quickly because every believer served. When plagues struck, others fled, but Christians stayed and cared for the sick. Their faith was shown through their actions, and people noticed. Real service draws people toward God more than words alone.
The heart of this message is simple: we are saved to serve.
As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God.
1 Peter 4:10
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