There are some churches where the gospel is believed, and there is no outreach at all, and there is no concern to reach children and adults in the vicinity. That is a tragedy. But then there are other churches, which are trying to reach the community, but few are involved. That is a great tragedy, if that is so; if your life is completely absorbed by just survival, looking after the body and the home, coming to worship, but not part of the body of Christ, which is manifesting his attributes to the world around it.
Think of the holiness of Christ. The disciples loved him; those who were close to him knew his perfection and in his holiness. Hopefully in our community it is the same. ‘They are good people in that church. They pay their bills. They are straightforward. They are honest in all their dealings.’
Even Christ, who was God, yet when he became a representative man, spent hours and days and nights in quiet places in the hills, in the mountain, at home, praying to the Father? And do we represent him? Are we a praying church, with a large prayer meeting, and people passionate for the souls of others and for the work of Christ in the world?
The body of Christ – it is a wonderful structure. And O, that we could be in accordance with the design of God, so full, never grumbling about our place to God, not entering into contention with him. ‘Why did you not make me more conspicuous in the church, someone with a more honourable role?’