It seems to me that there are three kinds of church members. Let’s briefly examine each and, as we do so, please honestly examine your part in the church and see which you are:
There are those who recline. They just sit back and watch everything going on around them. They are never more involved than just “warming the pew” from time to time. God wants us involved with the church because, “He who is slothful in his work is a brother to him who is a great destroyer” (Pro. 18:9).
There are those who whine. Sadly, other church members may be active, but they are involved with other members’ business. They seem to spend the majority of their time and resources complaining. God wants us to focus on harmony and make sure we “do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned” (Jas. 5:9).
There are those who shine. Gladly, there are church members who possess a great attitude and are working heartily for the Lord. They are busy doing the Lord’s will and singing along the way. They are shimmering example of faithfulness and fruitfulness. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).
Paul had instructions concerning all of these in Phil. 2:14-15, “Do all things (that’s the opposite of reclining) without complaining or disputing (that’s the opposite of whining), that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world (that’s being a shining example).”
So, Christian, are you reclining, whining, or shining?
Edd Sterchi
Campbellsville, KY