EDUCATION - THE LORD'S CONCERN
Church Priority Three
(March 2006)
Reference: Gal. 6:1-18
On Sunday morning, there will be some Christians who will find it hard to get to church or even take time to rise early and go to Sunday School. It is important that we become priority driven and take care of business. Jesus set His sights on the most important goals of His heavenly Father. Jesus said, “…They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Mk. 2:17) At the end of Jesus’ life He was able to say, “…I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” (John 17:4) Many people have forgotten that there is a business side of Church. There are things that need to be taken care of. It is not for just a few but everyone in the body of Christ is responsible to be at work in the church. Most people come and sit at the table of the Lord and want to be partakers of what is set before them, without lifting a finger to work.
A young mother said to an interviewer who was writing an article on spirituality, “Our family is deeply spiritual.” She continued, “We believe in God, and try to raise our kids with good moral standards, but we do not attend church.” She, like all too many, feels little responsibility toward the body of Christ.
It is, however, a different matter for those who have committed themselves to the Church and show that commitment by their presence and labors each week. For them, responsibility becomes a key issue. In fact, the Bible speaks very specifically of the responsibilities God places on us within His Church.
The passage under consideration in this week’s study presents three broad areas of responsibility. Think of it as a job description… a written declaration that spells out in clear, understandable terms what our Employer expects of us. In the Church, the Lord employs us to reflect His love and goodness. As we fulfill these responsibilities, we reveal His love to others and enable the Church to function according to His design.
It is not enough to merely talk about our responsibilities to the church, we need to fulfill them. Every church provides opportunities to do this. What can we do as individuals? Check with the pastor, who can likely steer you toward things that are needful in the church. There may be people in the congregation who can use your compassionate help. Carefully, and prayerfully, consider your support for the church’s leaders; think about your responsibilities beyond financial support as well. This world is full of people who need your kindness and compassion. We live in a world that cries out for authentic Christianity to be lived out in full view daily. Doing this provides a powerful witness to the lost.
Willingly assume the responsibilities that your participation in church places on you. When you do this, you will personally experience the joy that accompanies faithful obedience to God. You will also vividly demonstrate the spirit of Christ to others as you lovingly serve them.
I love you guys, Bro. Doug
