JUST THINKING: The Church Doing Its Work

      As a constant ponderer, I am always thinking. Now that we have entered a new year once again, I was just thinking about the tremendous emphasis placed on New Year’s resolutions. Although I don’t make any, I am always mindful that as one of the Lord’s own, I have much to do and improve upon, whether at the start of a new year or the end of an old one.

      When the Lord’s church is effectively fulfilling its mission, each member is accountable for doing his or her part in carrying out the Lord's will. Although this is not always easy, it explains why we have been placed on this planet since the Lord’s ascension to Heaven. I would like to share with you a few ways in which the church effectively does its work.

What We Must Be Reminded Of

      We live in a divided nation. I won’t get political about this, but I want to remind everyone in the body of Christ that we have responsibilities to act justly, regardless of our personal differences.The apostle Paul wrote, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is not authority except that which God has established” (Rom. 13:1 NIV1984).

      In a few days, President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn in as President of the United States. He will not be my president or your president; he will be our president. It does not matter if we like him or not. It is our responsibility as Christians to do what is right that impacts the nation as we live obediently to the Word of God.

What We Have Received from Christ Must be Shared

      When Christ came to us 2,000 years ago, Israel was under Roman occupation. The residents had to submit to Roman authority. However, with the calling out of His church through a handful of believers, Jesus transformed the hearts of many Jews. While living under Roman rule, their ultimate responsibility was to obediently serve the One who sent them into the world with a mission to lead the lost — whether Jew or Gentile — to the Kingdom of God.

      Paul not only had to learn this, but he also needed to practice it! Friends, this applies to us as well. Addressing the Church at Philippi, Paul wrote, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me—put it into practice. And the God of Peace will be with you” (Phil. 4:9). Since the Pilgrims began to spread the gospel on this continent over 400 years ago, believers have made converts, who in turn have made converts. This is how the Lord’s church is meant to work. It makes no difference regarding one’s political preference, skin color, or gender. People need the Lord!

What We Must Avoid

         We must remember that mere opinions are not sufficient. When the church is a work, the standard is the truth of God’s inspired Word. Paul wrote to the young pastor, Timothy: “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel, instead he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful” (II Tim. 2:23-24).

      I don’t like sushi. But I have friends who love it. We could get into arguments as to whether it is good or not. But such would profit nothing. One person could argue for his preferred political party, while his friend would do so for the other party. However, such arguments can hinder testimonies and rupture relationships. Those are things the church at work must avoid.