There is the tendency during the last few years; it seems, to build up the church numerically, without giving much consideration to the genuiness of conversions. This practice has resulted in many unconverted people being deceived into thinking that they are really Christians. To be a Christian means more than merely having one’s name on a church register. Almost every congregation is carrying a certain amount of “dead weight” in the persons of inactive church members. Consider carefully Matthew 3:10; “And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” 1 Peter 4:17; “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?”
In seeing to answer that question of what am I worth to the church, let us observe several points.
The Scriptures require personal examination. 2 Corinthians 13:5 states, “Examine yourself whether ye be in the faith…” Some may think that they are Christians just because they are faithful in attendance to a worship assembly. Think about that for a moment, we could fill the building with mannequins that would not make them Christians, but the building would be filled. For one to be a Christian he/she must examine themselves to make sure they have obeyed the Gospel. If they have not obeyed the Gospel then they are not a Christian. They are not enrolled in the Lamb’s Book of Life and when death comes or Jesus comes again, they will not hear, “well done thou good and faithful servant; thou has been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21, 23). One must obey from the heart the form of doctrine that has been taught through the ages here at Cleveland (Romans 6:17). Will you obey the Gospel and then increase your worth to the church?
Still thinking of self-examination, one can be a member of the church and not be faithful in their attendance or their Christianity. They may have been baptized years ago, but left the faith. Their names may be on the roll of the church but that does not make them of any value to the church. The members of the church are to let their light shine in the community (Matthew 5:13-16). If a person claims to be a member of the church but does not live as the Bible dictates, then he/she is worth nothing to the church. As a matter of fact they are causing harm to the church. The faithful ought to go to this person and teach them the true requirements of Christianity and that repentance is needed. They may be a rich person in material goods, but they cannot buy their way into heaven. Jesus dealt with a whole church that felt this way, notice what He said to them, “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:17). Of such a person, repentance is required to be worth something to the church. Is this your status?
Yet, what are some practical ways in which one may be of value to the church? First, one can faithful and zealously attend all the services of the church. This shows that a person values the church and thus is valuable to the church. Of course attendance is required to be considered a faithful member of organization. Several years ago, this scribe was a member of an organization and missed several meetings. A letter was sent out that if attendance was not forth coming, all who had not attended a meeting would be dropped from their rolls. We expect this of a secular organization but what about the church. If a person missed three Sundays in a row, what about sending out a letter like the secular organization did? What would the roll book look like? If two people are in love, they want to spend all the time they can together. Every minute of every day they want to be together. If you love the Lord, you ought to want to be with Him! That means attend the services of His church.
Second, one can show their worth to the church by living a godly life among his fellow men. “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:11-12). “Do all things without murmuring and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14-15). Along with God, people are watching. What are they seeing? Can they see your life and glorify God (Matthew 5:16)?
Thirdly, one can show their worth to the church by assuming responsibility, financial and otherwise, for the success and welfare of the church. The church needs momentary gain in order to do her works. It takes finances to have the building and keep it up. It takes money to keep the air in the building comfortable during the appropriate season. It takes money to support missionaries. It takes money to have Gospel meetings and Vacation Bible Schools. The amount given by individuals shows the value that is placed upon the church. If the church is of little value then little will be given. There are other responsibilities that show how individuals value the church and thus show their value to the church. Song leaders are needed. Bible class teachers are needed. Volunteers are need in every realm of the church. To take the time to learn how to help the church shows that a person values the church, and again show that they are valuable to the church.
The church is valuable! Christ shed His precious blood for Her. How do you value the church and in turn what is your value to the church?
Love Keith
