Huntington Church of Christ

I recall once hearing about a man who wrote a scathing letter to the local postmaster because the mail carrier never stopped to baby sit and entertain his children when delivering the mail. Furthermore he complained that he paid his federal taxes and never once had that postman mowed his lawn nor cleaned out his garage. Obviously, all eyes focus on the audacity of this man. What gall it takes to think that it is the work of the mailman to baby sit or manicure his yard. Yet, many people expect just as ludicrous actions out of Jesus' glorious church.

The work and mission of the church is summed up in 1 Timothy 3:15, "...The pillar and ground of truth." The church (the collective Christians; the saved) has ONE PRIMARY PURPOSE -- Evanglism. Jesus gave the great commission to his disciples, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation" (Mark 16:15). Like the mail carrier, we should not expect the church to do that which is not in the pattern. What about the church you attend? Are they satisfied doing only the work God gave them, or have they added to God's pattern (2 John 9; Revelation 22:18, 19)? Never forget, the church is a teaching institution designed by God.

Too many "churches" are involved in everything but proclaiming the gospel. They are so busy doing other things that the salvation of souls and God's Word is sadly neglected. Most denominations are heavily involved in secular business (bookstores, day care, secular education), politics (endorsing candidates and causes), and entertainment (movies, aprties, sports, plays, bands, etc...). These enticements and other works have been added for the purpose of luring people into the building. Just a few weeks ago I had a local representative of Boy scouts tell me how fruitful it would be to sponsor a pack or troop in "your church." Get all those youngsters in and slip them the Bible. Young people are easily attracted to fun and games, and sadly parents are looking to "churches" to satisfy their craving. Friends, if we attract people with the world, we will continually have to satisfy their appetite for the world. It never stops, and people will never be satisfied. God, the Father, draws men through His word (John 6:44, 45). Draw people with God's word and they will always be satisfied in hearing it (Matthew 5:6).

Like the postman, let the church do her work. Let's not be guilty of expecting more of her than the Lord demands.

Daniel S. Dow
Huntington Church of Christ