[370 words]
“Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.” (Luke 8:14).
Frequently members of the church, apparently for no reason at all, quit attending the services. This is usually preceded by a period of indifference and spasmodic attendance. Upon closer investigation it will be found that back of it all there is usually a hindering cause. It may be that the individual has become entangled with some sin, so that he feels so uncomfortable when studying God’s Word in class, or listening to a gospel sermon, that he prefers to quit attending, rather than be constantly reminded of his ungodliness. His sin may be that of gambling, drinking, filthy speech, unethical business transactions, or some other equally sinful thing. There are many reasons why an individual should not act so. The following are some of them:
1) He owes God a life of service, and if every day that he lives upon the earth were spent in faithful service, he could never compensate for all that God has done for him.
2) Eternity is too long, hell is too hot, and heaven is too beautiful to spend life here in pursuit of things that will cause one to be lost.
3) Setting the proper example before others is the obligation of every professing Christian. It would be tragic to so live as to miss heaven, but it would be doubly tragic to lead others to the place of eternal suffering. Be an example to your family and friends.
4) No one has a lease on life. James said, “Life is as a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). No doubt many will be lost who intended to do something about their condition, but death overtook them before they had prepared to meet God. Don’t let it happen to you!
We need drop-ins, not drop-outs. Be faithful to the Lord when the weather is bad, when you feel bad, when it is tough to do so. Never surrender convictions to the evil of dropping out of Christ.
Tim Woodward
Smithville church of Christ
Smithville, TN