"If You Can — Do" (Something)

“If you can — do.” It sounds right. It sounds Christian.

You’ve got gifts? Use them. Open doors? Step through them. Needs? Meet them. After all, we serve a generous God who tells parables about talents not buried, lamps not hidden, and fruit bearing trees. We are to be faithful stewards — not passive, not idle.

In Luke’s Gospel, we see Jesus healing, preaching, casting out demons. He calls disciples, sends them out, empowers them. He affirms the persistent widow who keeps knocking. 

But then, Luke 4. Jesus has just begun his ministry in Galilee. He heals, teaches, and crowds beg him to stay. There’s more he could do. But what does he say?

“I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” (Luke 4:43)

He could stay. He could heal more people. But he walks away. Not because he doesn’t care — but because he’s focused on all the Father has sent him to do.

That’s confronting. Because we live in a world of endless need. The inbox never stops. The church always needs more hands. And “if you can — do” feels like the only faithful response.

But Jesus shows us the freedom of a holy “no.” Not a selfish one. Not an apathetic or an overwhelmed one. A “no” that’s shaped by a deeper “yes.”

Yes to the kingdom. Yes to the Father’s call. Yes to, at times, withdrawing to spend time with God. And Yes to the next town.

Following Jesus means asking not only “What can I do?”, but also “What have I been sent to do?”

So yes — use your gifts. Be generous. Take initiative.

If you can – Do … something. But not everything. Don’t be afraid to say no. It’s wrong to do nothing, but unwise to attempt everything. Even Jesus didn’t do everything, and his capacity is greater than yours and mine.