ENCOURAGEMENT FOR A DISCOURAGED SAINT

Dear Bro. John:

I have been a member of the church of Christ for nine years. I know that there is no other church for me. But the churches in my city have more problems than the biblical churches. For instances: there is no unity among the churches, we never get to fellowship together; because the ministers can't agree on anything. How can the youngsters meet other Christians? There is not even one Deacon or Elder in the entire city that is African American. My minister's wife seldom comes to worship service and never comes to Bible study, or Sunday school. So you know that there isn't much growth going on. Sometimes I feel so empty spiritually because I know what the Bible teaches. How can this be the church that the Bible talks about? I'm just stuck in the middle. Sandy

 

Dear Sis. Sandy:

Thank you for writing. My heart goes out to you and other Christians who have to serve in unfavorable circumstances. I know the burden you must feel.

• You must remember that our Savior is Christ. It is him we must serve. Our salvation is personal. He saved you because you believed in him, put your faith and trust in him and obeyed him. You were added to the church by Christ, but you do not owe you salvation to the church of her members.

• The church on earth, being composed of folks like us, is imperfect. Members of the church are in every stage of spiritual growth and development, from infants to, tired and worn out seniors. This means that not all will reflect the maturity, zeal and energy that we love so much to see.

• Satan is a real spiritual being who is at war with Christ and takes his vengeance out on the church. He must get credit for dividing and alienating brethren. It is him who leads disciples to think they can be worldly and halfhearted in their service and still be acceptable to him.

• The spirit of our secular world has crept into the hearts and lives of many Christians and their congregations. They think only of themselves, not of other Christians. Congregations think only of their own interests and projects. Suspicion about others is allowed to stand as a wall blocking meaningful fellowship. Also the fact that we live in a fast-passed busy world with both husband and wife working, with kids in all sorts of extra-curricula activities means that many Christians can't find the time to do much more than get to their own services.

The following suggestions might be helpful to you and help you keep your faith and zeal strong.

• To grow spiritually, set up your own program of daily Bible reading. In addition keep a regular reading schedule of good religious books and magazines.

• Set aside some time each day to reflect on what God has done in your life, on what needs to be done and to pray that God will use you to honor and glory.

• Don't wait for others, make it your personal goal to serve people each day. Make phone calls to the sick, the shut-ins, the lonely, the troubled. Send get-well cards and notes of encouragement to those who need them.

• Each week make two or more visits to those who are in the hospital, sick or shut-in. Visit newcomers to the church, or new converts to encourage them.

• When other congregations have special activities, make yourself a committee of one to go and participate with them. Invite some other lady or ladies to go with you. Others might just be encouraged to follow your example.

• There are many exciting things happening in the church around the world that are very encouraging. You can inform yourself about those great successes and find much joy in reading about them, praying for them, even sending assistance to them. This you can do even if no one else care to do so. The Lord's cause is flourishing in India, Eastern Europe and Russia, and sub-Sahara Africa. Let that be your source of joy.

• Get in touch with World Bible School and volunteer to take some names of those you will be instructing by correspondence course. You might well be able to lead precious souls to Christ.

• You might be interested in helping us with our Christianity: Then and Now outreach. We publish a monthly paper that is currently sent to over 8,000 readers and maintain two websites: www.firstcenturychristian.com  and www.christianity-then-and-now.com. I will be glad to send you information on now you can help.

• Find good works being done by faithful Christians here at home. Although they might not be in your neighborhood, you can help with your prayers, encouragement and support. You will find much happiness in such activities.

• Continue to be a loyal member of your congregation. Encourage everyone to be zealous for the Lord. Show them by your good example what faithfulness really means. Don't allow yourself to become detached, indifference or cynical. Lead them by your own actions to higher, more noble things for the Master. Seek out others who share your desire for a closer walk with God. Pray and serve together. Encourage each other.

• Pray that God will not allow you to be discouraged; that He will use you to bless your congregation.