This is an interesting question due to the political climate today. We think that we are just one citizen and what can we do to help. There is always a lot we can do. One thing for sure we do not need to do nothing! That is a sure way to lose ground and let the enemy do what they please.
This is also an interesting question due to our religious climate today too. Yes, there are things you can do to help yourself and also help the church. What can you do? Here they are:
- You study the Bible. Remember that the Bible is God’s Word to us today (2 Tim. 3:16-17, “All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works”). Remember also that all you know about God, Christ and the Holy Spirit is found within the pages of the Bible. The Bible is our source of authority in matters of religion. Since that is so, let us study so that we can give an answer to all that ask us questions (1 Peter 3:15, “But Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always o give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear”). There are a lot of questions that need answers, can you answer those questions or know where to go to get the answers? Each of us needs to know enough about the Bible to answer basic Bible questions such as: “What must I do to be saved?” and “Why do we worship the way we do?” I cannot study for you! You must study for yourself and make the answers to these questions yours. (By the way, there are empty pages in the back and front of most Bible; they are there so that you can write on them. Write the answer to these questions and if someone asks you, all you have to do is turn to the front or back of your Bible and find the answers. There are little booklets that answers a lot of these questions.)
- Another thing that we can do is pray. When we get into trouble this is one of the first things we do. Right after September 11 this nation began to pray. Church buildings were opened and prayer services were held for any who wanted to come and participate in them, but what about now? Have we forgotten how to pray? Have we forgotten that the same threat that was there then is still there today? Are we praying for the nations that involved and their leaders? Are we praying for world peace?
How often do we pray? Only at meals? Prayer is a privilege of talking to God. We ought to pray often (Luke 18:1, “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint”)! If we let Jesus be our guide (1 Peter 2:21) then we will pray often. If we let the Bible guide us we will pray often, (1 Thess. 5:17, “Pray without ceasing.”) What can we pray for? Many things, such as the church, those who lead the church, the preacher, the Bible school teachers, personal workers and those they are working with. We can pray for those that are sick and having surgery; those undergoing test or treatments. We can pray for this country and its leaders, this would mean city, county, state, and national officials. I do appreciate when the men of this congregation pray for our nation. Let us keep this up and even more often.
- We can live like we ought to live. We are the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matt. 5:13-16, “Ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put in under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”). People are watching what we are doing! What are we preaching to them? Is it the same thing that comes out of our mouths? Are these two sermons the same? They need to be!
So, here in this article are some things that we can do! It is not impossible for us to do them. It will take time and effort but we can do them. If you are not studying, praying and living correctly then why not start today! If you are doing these things then take courage and continue doing them because you are a light to others!
Love Keith
