The
strength of the church lies in her supernatural elements, her sure foundations,
and her divine cornerstone. The weakness of the church lies in her human
elements. We can offer no improvements in the supernatural elements, but we can
strengthen the human elements. There are four groups of members who strengthen the
church.
The
first group is composed of attending members. They are found in every
congregation. They have the same “excuse” which others use: all week, they too
have Sunday illnesses, but because of their love for the church-they put God
first.
The
second group is made up of informed members. The Christian life begins with a
spiritual impulse, a movement of life toward God. When and where and how this
desire for more knowledge of God is not always discovered. It is perfectly
plain, however, that when a life has been “born again,” its growth can be
sustained and matured only through knowledge and experience. They are busy
people who make time to feast on the “good Word of God.”
The
third group which strengthens the church is that of the supporting member. A
church is strong or feeble, not primarily in proportion to its enrolled
membership, but in proportion to its supporting membership. The strength of a
church is in the number of its “active” members, those who invest time,
thought, energy, and money in its maintenance. The weakness of a church is in
the number of its inactive members.
The
fourth group which lifts the church is the consistent members. No one can point
to him and say, “He is the reason I am not a member.” Those in this group
profess with their lips and practice with their lives as believers on Monday as
well as Sunday. They praise the name of God in the meeting place without
profaning His name in the marketplace. The religion of Christ is greatly helped
by those whose consistencies speak so loudly that the world can hear what the
church says.
If
you cannot find yourself, begin at once by confessing the error of your way and
dedicate your life to strengthening the church.
written by Jerry Jenkins
via South Florida Avenue
Messenger