This country is only as good as its citizens. For the country to be better, its citizens must become better citizens. If we expect to stand the test of time, this nation must work toward making this country morally and physically strong. Likewise, the church can and will become better if the individual members begin the process with themselves.
Therefore, to make the church better, each member must realize that he or she is important to the work of the church. The body cannot function properly without each of its members contributing (1 Corinthians 12:20-26). Our Lord expects all of us to do what we can to strengthen and nourish the church. “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:16). Each member must be willing to help the church grow.
After you realize your importance to the church, you must then start to do something for the church. The obligations of the church can most easily be placed into three categories: (1) Evangelism – teaching the Gospel to the lost. (2) Edification – encouraging the existing members and (3) Benevolence – helping the needy to get those necessary things for everyday living. To that end, each member can contribute in a multitude of ways. Perhaps the easiest thing to do is to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). The world can also be taught in this manner because it will notice the way we treat one another (John 13:35).
To have a better church, each of us must invite others to share our blessings. When you bring a friend or family member to Bible study or worship, you are helping him or her to know that God has provided many blessing for those in Christ. God has “blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). Physical blessings are there also, but the spiritual ones are far more important. You may be the only one who will ever share the Gospel with your family or with others. If each of us does not share what we know with others, there will be far less people with a hope of heaven. To have a church that grows, members must be concerned for and really love the lost (Mark 10:21).
Yes, a better church begins with me and the time to begin is now!
The above article was written by brother Steve Preston on his website, “Bible Talk” and I found it very appropriate. We must realize that the “church” is not a building. We often hear (and even say such things ourselves) someone speak of “going to church” as if the building is the church. The church is the group of Christians who make up the body of Christ. “The Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). He was not adding people to a building, but He was adding them to the group of saved people. This Scripture teaches that others were being taught the Gospel, were obeying it and being added to the church. Christ is the Head of this body of believers. “Christ is the head of the church and He is the savior of the body” (Ephesians 5:23). We understand that today’s church is the same; it is obvious that the saved are those who are faithful to Christ.
Let us work hard to reach out to those who are not in a saved state and bring them to hear God’s Word proclaimed. Care enough for the souls of others to bring them to hear the Gospel message, the Good News. Remember my ten little words: “If it is to be, it is up to me!” No one else can do for you what you should be doing; it is up to you! You are important to the work of the church and the future of the Lord’s church is in the hands of His faithful followers. Jesus, Himself, proclaimed “I must be about My Father’s business” (Luke 2:49). Where does that leave each of us?
