Not too long ago, I watched a TV program focusing on the use of what are called 'service robots,' which are becoming commonly used worldwide; it was a fascinating program. One of the 'robots' that was very popular was the 'robot dog,' which is in use in several large cities worldwide. This 'dog' could walk up and down stairs and is equipped with a camera and lights, a 'sniffer,' and, in the future, may be equipped with a weapon – all controlled by a remote officer nearby. The 'dog' is fearless, of course, and can go into situations that might threaten the life or well-being of an officer. There is great interest in this model, we were told! Another robot was a 'hospitality robot' that stood upright on wheels, had face-like features on the top to mimic a human face, and was designed to carry a tray to patients in a hospital or nursing home. This type of robot was equipped with new 'artificial intelligence' software (all computer-operated); it could even carry on basic patient conversations. These patients have responded well to these robots in trials. It was reported that these models will soon be almost everywhere, and some people need help daily.

The focus of the program was that, eventually, there would be no need for real people to engage in many of these tasks, as there would eventually be a 'bot' developed for tasks that are repetitive, dangerous, or considered too 'menial' for human beings. There would be a literal 'army' of these bots everywhere you went, and this would be a great boon for humanity, accomplishing all sorts of tasks!

I have often wondered what could be done if one had an 'army' of these 'service bots' at one's disposal. The answer: almost anything!

We don't have to imagine this situation, as someone has already done something similar to this, but with real, live people. Who has done this, you might ask? I would contend that this is precisely what God has done with his people of faith in the Church! The Church is the collection of God's people, united by faith in him through Jesus. Much more than a building, it is an army of believers who have voluntarily given their lives over the service of God in almost every way imaginable!

Here are some characteristics of God's people who have become, by choice, servants of the One God. First, they are united by their belief in the Gospel message and the experience of Jesus cleansing them of their sin. Additionally, they have received God's Spirit with them. They are engaged in the transformation of their hearts and lives through that Spirit and the teachings of the Scripture. Finally, they are organized into a functioning body of people, united by their faith, forming a worldwide organization called into service every day. The Church is God's 'army,' ready to go out into the world to help people in crisis, to teach them the good news of Jesus, and to model the kinds of loving and gracious behaviors that best reflect the One God, who loves us all.

God's plan for the Church may be 'low-tech,' but look at all God has done with his servants: He has taken schools and hospitals into needy areas, provided food and water to millions in crisis, taught cultures how to value human life and foster respect and concern for people of all colors and nationalities, and even provided foundational beliefs for some of the greatest nations in human history. WOW!!

Would you like to be a part of God's "army" on this earth? When you come to believe in Jesus as the crucified and resurrected Son of God and ask him to come into your heart and save you, the transformation of your life begins. God will fill and guide you with his Holy Spirit, teach you with his written Word, the Bible, and then start to guide you into service. When you say "yes" to God's call, you join the largest, most effective, and most enduring organization in human history – the Church! He will use, bless, and fill you up in ways you have never imagined. Follow Jesus, and join the servants of God, the Church!

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