Every member of the body of Christ is important to his/her local congregation. Though no one is indispensable, no one should feel insignificant. The scriptures are very emphatic about this. (Cf. I Cor.12:12-27) The church grows where the members know they receive personal blessings from it and feel a personal responsibility toward it. Such people speak of the church as “we” or “I” rather than “they” or “you”. Faithful members want to be involved and support every good work. (Titus 3:1) Just what are the blessings that make the church personal to every Christian?
The forgiveness of sins through the blood of Jesus is received by every faithful member of the body. (I John 1:7) The Holy Spirit leads, guides, strengthens and comforts through the inspired word, completely furnishing us to every good work. (II Tim.3:16,17; II Pet.1:3) Burdens are lifted. (Matt.11:28; Gal.6:2) Problems are solved. (Matt.6:33; Rom.8:28) Temptations are resisted. (I Cor.10:13) Trials are endured. (James 1:12) In faithful worship we are encouraged and provoked to love and good works. (Heb. 10: 24-25) Our brethren love us when no one else will; help us when we need help; weep with us when we grieve, and rejoice with us when we are happy. (Rom.12:10-15) Our hope in Christ is an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast. (Heb.6:19) These are only a few of the scores of blessings each of us, who is faithful in Christ Jesus, receives.
Someone has said, “With every blessing comes a responsibility”. Every member must feel a sense of personal responsibility in the work and mission of the church. No one person can do all that God intends to be done in the local church, unless he is the only member of that particular congregation. Everyone cannot do everything, but this will not be necessary if everyone is doing something. What are some responsibilities that each member has?
Each must worship faithfully (Heb.10:25); study diligently (II Tim.2:15); give liberally (II Cor.9:6,7); sing fervently (Eph.5:19); pray regularly (I Thess.5:17,18); and commune weekly (Acts 20:7) Everything we do in worship is personal and should be done from the heart. (Matt.15:8; John 4:24) Soul-winning is the responsibility of every member. (Matt.28:18-20) The spiritual are to restore the erring (Gal.6:1), and every member is expected to be spiritual. Every person must regard himself as a servant in the kingdom, a worker in the vineyard, because each has a work to do and an obligation to fulfill in the service of our King.
When one member is slack in accepting, or fulfilling, his/her responsibilities, then to that degree the church is weak and fails in her mission. When one member is diligent and steadfast in carrying out personal responsibilities, to that degree the church is strong and succeeds in her mission. Will you help or hinder the work and growth of the Tara church during 2026??
-Richard
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