As members of the Tara congregation, have you thought about what each of us owes this church? In writing these lines I am thinking of myself as to what “I” owe this church. As you read them, will you think of “I” as yourself? Just what do I owe this church?
I Owe It the Example of a Good Life
I want this church to radiate a wholesome influence in the community and among other congregations. How some people regard me is how they regard Tara. Will others speak highly of this congregation because of my example? Will they want to worship here because of my influence? Or, will some leave because of me? Just what kind of example am I for those who look at Tara? I must consider myself in view of Matthew 5:16 and Titus 2:11-12.
I Owe It a Friendly Spirit
When visitors come, I want them to feel welcome and wanted. I want them to be drawn back because of the friendly atmosphere they find at Tara. Therefore, I must heartily greet them and not depend on others to do it. I owe the members a smile, a warm handshake or hug, and a moment of my time. Each one is to know that I care for them. “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11)
I Owe the Church My Support
The church needs my personal involvement. I want the leaders to know they can count on me to do whatever I can. I want everyone to regard me as dependable and one that is “ready unto every good work” (Titus 3:1). I owe the church my financial support (I Corinthians 16:1-2). I know that if it is right for the church to pay financial obligations, it is right and important for me to give so that it can. Though I have to be absent sometimes, I still owe the church at Tara my financial support, so I will make it up when I return. I don’t skip other obligations periodically, so why should I use the Lord’s money for something else just because I was not present last Sunday?
I Owe the Church My Faithful Attendance
Attendance is the life of the church. Without it, the church would die. And if I did not attend I would die. I don’t want the church to be weakened because of my habitual absence, nor do I want to be weakened. It strengthens me to be here, and I know that my presence is a strength to the church. Hebrews 10:25 applies to me just like it applies to every member of the church, and I am determined to not forsake the assembly of the church.
I Owe the Church My Interest and Concern for the Lost
I want this church to grow, and I want lost souls to be saved; therefore, I will do all I can to win others. I will invite people to come, hand out tracts, study the Bible with anyone who will study, pray for the lost and for those who study with them, support missionaries, and grow in my ability to teach the lost. I know some who are no longer faithful to the Lord, and I am going to do what I can to bring them back. I want to be one of the “spiritual” of Galatians 6:1.
I Owe the Church My Love
If the Lord loved the church to the point of dying for it, surely I can show my love to the point of living for Him. The church needs my love, and I want to express it in a way that no one will doubt it. (Romans 12:9-10)
0 Comments