10 Little Christians standing in line
1 disliked the preacher, then there were 9
9 little Christians stayed up late
1 overslept Sunday, then there were 8
8 little Christians on their way to Heaven
1 took the low road and then there were 7
7 little Christians chirping like chicks
1 disliked music, then there were 6
6 little Christians seemed very much alive
But one lost his interest then there 5
5 little Christians pulling for Heaven’s shore
But one stopped to rest, then there were 4
4 little Christians each busy as a bee
But one got his feelings hurt, then there were 3
3 little Christians knew not what to do
1 joined the sporty crowd, then there were 2
2 little Christians, our rhyme is nearly done Differed with each one, then
there was 1
1 little Christians can’t do much ‘tis true;
But brought his friend to Bible study –then there was 2
2 earnest Christians, each won one more
That doubled the number, then there were 4
4 sincere Christians worked early and late
Each won another then there were 8
8 splendid Christians if they doubled as before
In just so many Sundays, we’d have 1024
In this little jingle, there is a lesson true,
You belong, either to the building–, or the wrecking-crew!
Author Unknown taken for the GoodNews Weekly Vol. 4 Number 33.
You may not agree with everything that this little paper puts out but sometimes it does get to the point in a most interesting way. Case in point is the above poem. Are you part of the first 10 or a part of the doubling group? The building up group is the most positive group. The building up group is the group that is headed in the right direction. Many times we seem to be headed in the wrong direction. Matthew 7:13-14 talks also of two groups one headed on the broad road to destruction; the other on the narrow path that leads to life. Which group would characterize you?
Remember we can change which directions we are headed. You could be on the road to destruction. You could be destroying the church. You could be destroying your life in many, many different ways, but you can change. One might think that because they are a member of the Lord’s church that there is no way they could be headed in the wrong direction. Peter had to change directions! Paul had to tell him he was headed south when he needed to be headed north (Galatians 2). Demas was headed in the right direction but his love for the world turned him around in the wrong way. Therefore we must always be diligent to make sure we are headed toward the Polar Star of Christianity.
To be a part of the doubling number is a great thing. The work done by all of that number would be tremendous. First one would have to find someone who is interested in their own soul to consider coming to worship God. Next, the invitation would have to be extended to that person to come worship God. Care would then be taken to make sure they had a ride to worship. Once in worship the inviter would make the attendee fill welcomed. O, that we all would do this here at the Gray church of Christ. Our number would double in such a short time. The souls of love one would be added to those who are saved, if they obeyed the simple plan of God.
To be a part of the doubling number other work would need to be done. Those who have obeyed would need to be taught more thoroughly the Gospel of Christ. They might need to be taught how to study the Bible. What is the difference between the Old and New Testament. They would have to be taught how to apply the Old Testament lessons to life today. Teachings on the correct headship of the husband will need to be done by those who are concerned about proper direction toward God.
They would need to know how to worship God and to worship Him correctly. Many in the religious world today are confused about worshipping God. Some, and there are some even in the church are teaching that the “sacred dance” is acceptable now. Some, and this is some even in the church, are now teaching that the burning of candles is acceptable worship to God. Where will this kind of thinking stop? Some, need to be taught the will of God more perfectly!
We have a little over 10 Christians here at Gray. Which group do you want to be a part of? Do you want to be a part of the “wrecking-crew” or do you want to be a part of the “doubling crew?” You are the one that decides! You are the one which decides which direction you are going toward; heaven or hell! We need more people on the “doubling-crew.” We need to double the “doubling-crew!” Just think were we could be in such a short time.
Love, Keith
