What can I do for God? - Part 5
Contribute to the activities of the local church
All Christians are part of the body
of Christ, and it should be the norm that they demonstrate this by their active
involvement in a local church, which gathers to the name of the Lord Jesus.
Some circumstances, such as ill health, may mean not all of the following are
always possible, but please prayerfully consider Romans 12. 3 - 8 and 1
Corinthians 12. 4 - 7 and 11 - 31 if you think you do not have a useful place
in a local church!
What is it?
The privilege and responsibility of
being a part of a local church is for sisters, brothers, young and old, with
different gifts and abilities to act in harmony for the glory of God, the
showing of His character, witnessing to the world, and mutual spiritual
blessing.
Why does it matter?
- The church is very precious to God, Acts 20. 28.
- The Lord Jesus is present and assessing the
contribution of all, Rev. 2 and 3.
- Our contribution should be for everyone¡¦s benefit, 1
Corinthians 14. 12, 26.
- We will all be rewarded based on our input, 1
Corinthians 3.
How can I contribute?
- Use the specific gift and ability the Lord has given
you. We should pray about, discover and develop this gift, 1 Tim. 4. 14, 2
Tim. 1. 6, so that we can fulfill the ¡¥function in the body¡¦ that we have
been given, 1 Corinthians 12. 11, 12.
- Act with unity. The expression one accord is used
repeatedly in the book of Acts; see also Rom. 12. 18, Eph. 4. 3)
- By being present at meetings whenever possible, Heb.
10. 25.
- Show care and love to others, Heb. 13. 1. This may
include practical help, visiting, encouraging, sharing of experiences and
giving guidance to others, Gal 6. 1 - 2, Rom. 12. 15. There is a wealth of
opportunity to serve if we are willing, Rom. 16. 2.
- Pray at meetings, Acts 4. 24, 1 Tim. 2. 8 and everyday we should be privately praying for the
church, Col. 1. 9.
- Spread the gospel, Acts 6. 7, 1 Thess. 1. 8.
- Give financially, Acts 4. 34, Phil. 4. 15 - 16.
- Learn from scripture, Acts 2. 42, 2 Tim. 3. 14 - 16.
This will not only mean we grow in our understanding, but it will also
help guard against error.
- Be supportive and helpful towards elders and deacons,
Heb. 13. 17.
Some other practical considerations
The importance of our personal
contribution to the church should impact on decisions that we make about our:
- Career - the spiritual prosperity of the local church
is far more important than worldly success, Rev. 2. 9, 3. 17.
- Home location - our ability to contribute to the local
church should be a key factor in deciding where to live.
- Lifestyle - being careful to ensure nothing we do
spoils the holiness of the testimony, 1 Cor. 5. 6.
- Traveling/holidays - if possible or practical should be
seen as an opportunity to enjoy fellowship elsewhere, Acts 20. 6 - 7.
Time - our
efforts and energy should be channelled into what will last, 1 Cor. 3. 10 - 15.