If we apply what the apostle Paul and others wrote about the way we treat others and apply it to the church, we begin to see a pattern of teachings emerge that shows if it is within our ability whether through our talents, gifts, or skills, to do something for the local body of believers and do not, then we are not being faithful in the observance of our faith in Christ Jesus. The apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Galatia, As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10), and to the Christians at Rome, Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law (Romans 13:7-8). If we see a need within our body of believers and we choose not to meet the need when we have the ability, we are not just harming our fellow Christian, but we are committing sin. We are not being faithful to do the task that the Lord Jesus Christ has set before us, and instead are choosing to listen to another master, No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (Luke 16:13).
During the morning Sunday school lesson and the AM worship service, both brought focus to something that I believe has somehow come out of focus for many Christians. Within the gospel of Matthew, Jesus and the disciples were having a discussion about who Jesus actually was. Peter spoke up and identified Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, and as a part of his response, Jesus told Peter, And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). Although Jesus is identifying the truth of he being the Son of God as being the rock, it is HIS CHURCH that is being built. As a Christian, I am a part of his plan for Gospel Light Baptist Church as the local New Testament church that I am a member of. As a member of that body, I have an obligation to use my talents and gifts for the good of that body and I can choose to either give of myself freely or I can choose to not give of myself. I can choose to actively seek God’s will and purpose or I can choose to simply be a part of the congregation of believers without contributing my gifts or talents. Either way, I am bringing something to the church.
What I bring to my church family can be either willfully given of myself, as the example that the Lord Jesus Christ gave us. I can bring my skills, gifts, and talents to be used in support of the local ministry or I can refuse to use them with the belief that just showing up for church is doing my part. I can use the abilities that God has given me for His glory Using Paul’s reference to the local congregation compared to the human body, I often wonder, as with the human body, if the reason so many churches across our country are sick is because parts of the body are not working the way they are supposed to. If the human body needs its parts to work at its fullest and best potential and not one of the parts complain, then how much stronger would the local New Testament church be if all its members were functioning to their fullest potential without complaint? How many people would we reach for Christ? How strong would our Christian fellowship be with the others of our local congregation? How much sweeter would our own quiet time with God be knowing we were freely giving of ourselves to His church?
