Word: Commitment
Defined: A promise. To carry out.
Scripture: Romans 12:4-5 “For
as we have many members and one body, and all members have not the same
office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one
members one of another.”
There
are millions of people in America who “attend” church, but are not
committed members of that Church. They want to live with the Church, but
don’t want to marry her. That promise to say, “I
Do.” They want the benefits of Church like hearing the Word preached,
being able to join in worship with other believers, and having pastors
who will counsel them and visit them. However, they don’t want The Mission
of the Church, using their spiritual gifts to benefit the Church, and
submitting to the leaders of the Church when it is not convenient to do
so. BUT, to be committed to a local Church will
require sacrifice, time and energy, many times when you don’t’ feel like
it, and might rather be doing something else. However, it is
the will of God. God wants His people to be committed members of local
churches. He wants us to walk the aisle and say, “I do” to a specific local church.
You
are to be a dedicated member of your local church and get involved with
the ministries and missions of that particular church. We treat the
church as if it is a consumer product. The product is worshiping,
preaching, and other ministries. Let’s consider the product coffee; and
if it is not too strong we are in. If it does not, fit our taste buds we
will shop around for another flavor or lighter brew. We are looking for
something sweeter. We are looking for a bit of cream. What’s
in it for me? How far will I have to drive? How much of my time will be
required? Here at 915 Green Street we are often known to quote, “We Are
A Church That Is Alive – And Worth The Drive” If you are going to take the time to come out, you will not be disappointed. Your
Church is your family. God wants us to live out our Christian lives
with one another as family. When your brother or sister in your family
does something irritating or unkind to you, you don’t disown them and
you don’t move out. You work it out.
As
God adds more members to this family, we need to be willing to receive
them and love then, not separate from then and create cliques. Every new
person who joins the Church will probably come with their own set of
problems. The Church is to be a healing place! The
Church is a hospital that specializes in healing the impossible through
the power of the Word of God. When speaking of the Church as making a
promise is like saying your wedding vows, doesn’t it? Actually it is. I’m
asking if you are willing to stop living with the Church, and marry
her. Are you willing to embrace the responsibilities as well as the
benefits of belonging to the Church? What do you say? Will you say, “I do?”
Brenda C. Smith
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