Tough Truth Tuesday-Priorities People

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 A friend posted this on Facebook recently and I could not have said it any better myself. We need more Christians to stand strong like she is doing.

I'll never understand why anyone chooses to put extracurricular activities before the meetings of the Lord's Church. This goes for any meeting but of course, most especially, the first day of the week. I know many of these same people worry about their children remaining faithful as the grow into adulthood, or whether or not their children will choose christian friends, however they continue to choose to attend ballgames, vacations, dance classes, sports practices, study for tests and any other number of events over Wed night, Sun night, gospel meetings, VBS, and sadly even the gathering of the saints on the Lord's day. Of course faithfulness takes more than just attendance but regular attendance is certainly a good first step!
The faithfulness of our children as adults will certainly depend on more than whether we choose VBS over baseball or a Wed night bible class over a dance recital or to study for a test, but shouldn't our desire to be with other christians be stronger than our desire for our daughter to learn ballet or any of our children to make perfect grades? Why would we as christians, who are striving to be together in heaven for eternity not want to be together at every possible opportunity here on earth?
My intent is not to judge but to maybe make us all think a little longer before we deliberately choose to miss a gathering of Lord's body again.

(Heb 10:23-25 KJV) Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) {24} And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: {25} Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

I have always loved this story about James Garfield. I've seen conflicting stories about his religious affiliation but the lesson is a good one all the same.

AN EXAMPLE TO IMITATE

James A. Garfield was President of the United States of America, taking office March 4, 1881. On his first Sunday in Washington after his inauguration, a member of the cabinet insisted that a meeting must be called to discuss a matter that threatened a national crisis. The President refused on the grounds of another appointment. The cabinet member then insisted that the national matter was of grave importance, and that Mr. Garfield should break his engagement, but Mr. Garfield refused to do so. Then the cabinet member remarked: "I would be interested to know with whom you have an engagement so important it cannot be broken." President Garfield replied: "I will be as frank as you are. My engagement is with the Lord, to meet Him at His house at His table at 10:00 tomorrow morning, and I shall be there."

Via Erin Howard

Work-To-Do Wednesday

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Most people are familiar with the Lowe’s commercial theme, “Never stop improving.” I remember teachers in high school telling us many times, “There is always room for improvement.” This is not only true in areas of the home and education, but in all aspects of life. So what if we, as Christians, were to apply that to our spiritual lives? How can we be better servants of the Lord?

            There are many ways to improve but I want to focus on just one in particular today, evangelism. Jesus came to this earth to seek and to save those who were lost (Luke 19:10). If evangelism was His number one priority should it not be ours as well? Everything else connected with the church is secondary. People are more important than programs. Nothing the church could ever undertake (from the construction of a new building to the organization of the work categories) ranks near the supreme goal of saving souls and keeping them saved. In fact, that’s what the church is all about. If we lose our evangelistic zeal, we have lost our right to exist.           

In Mark 16:15, we are told to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Are we doing this? How many can say they are currently studying the Bible with someone? What about teaching a class at church? Speaking to those you come in contact with on a regular basis, about what Jesus has done for us and can do for them? “I’m just not comfortable doing that,” or “I’m really not very good at quoting the scriptures” you might say. Have you given any thought to judgment day and what Jesus will say? Will He be comfortable telling his father that you belong to Him? “But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven” Matt. 10:33. Keep in mind that God gave us all different talents. He expects us to do the best in whatever we’re able to do. (Read the parable of the talents in Matt. 25). If you feel uncomfortable because you have trouble memorizing scripture, keep a notebook to refer to when you study with someone. Take a friend with you when you study with someone. Do online studies, exchange emails or even study over the phone. There are so many ways we can spread the gospel especially with the technology we have today. It should cause us to be ashamed that the first century Christians were able to teach the gospel to the entire world (Col. 1:23) without all the resources we have at our fingertips today.

Speaking to a large group of people is not the only channel of teaching and spreading the gospel. You can even teach others about Christ by the example you set.

            The following questions about soul winning have helped me to realize my responsibility. Perhaps they will help you too.

1.     Do you feel any obligations to be a soul winner?

2.    When you look at a non-Christian, do you ever think he or she is lost in sin?

3.     Are you praying for someone to become a Christian?

4.     How many people would be led to Christ this year if every Christian were like you?

5.     Have you ever really, sincerely prayed that God would use you to do good?

As you apply these questions to yourself, remember that with every good work the devil provides an objection and with every sin he provides an excuse. It is time we stopped making excuses. It is time we got busy for the Lord. The first century Christians were accused of “turning the world upside down” (Acts 17:6). It’s time we do the same.

 “Take heed to these things; by so doing, you will save yourself and them that hear you.”

1 Timothy 4:16