“Constrained by Thy love, O Lord, we would here present ourselves, spirit, soul, and body, not to live unto ourselves, but unto Thee who didst die, and rise again. AMEN”.
-Meyer-
There are two great obstacles to the work of the ministry in the local church which stems from simple complacency. First, is the issue of being satisfied with things the way they are or a willingness to maintain the status quo. This attitude is not a good one to have in any relationship but particularly in the life of God’s Church. Such behavior leads to spiritual decline that harms the individual, as well as, the Body as a whole. It will allow one to cease from the spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, tithing, Church attendance and specifically to the call for evangelism. When the church is satisfied with those who are already in attendance or with the service hours already established they make no plans to go beyond where they currently stand, this attitude will serve the church well for about fifty years then the old guard full of self-denial will all pass away and a for sale sign will go up in front of the church property.
Secondly, people will refuse to accept the “possibilities” perhaps because of the unknown or the fear of failure many who profess to have “faith” demonstrate the use of so little of it. The most important element of Christianity is on display so infrequently. One advertisement used as its’ slogan “master the possibilities” perhaps the church should examine this idea further and recognize we serve the “Master” of possibilities. In Mark 10:27, ” Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible”. Some in the church simply refuse to acknowledge what is possible because it is much easier to display doubt rather than faith. But we are saved through faith (Ep 2:8), we walk in faith (2Cor 5:7), we live by faith (Hab 2:4) and we please God with faith (Heb 11:6).
Time’s up.
HGMAM 32315
