Far too often, we find ourselves examining the lives of others, yet the scripture below reminds us that, first of all, we need to examine our own lives.
Matthew 7:3–5 (NIV) — 3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Sadly, one of the places this shows up strongly is in the church environment. Unless we are careful, we can look at others who may or may not be serving in the same way as we are and wish they would improve!
The truth is, all of us who are believers in Christ should be involved in ministry in some way within the body of Christ. Just find something to do for the Lord and begin to do it, even if it's picking up trash that's blown onto the church parking lot!
In thinking about Ministry and the importance of every person being involved in serving, I asked myself this question:
“What If Everyone In The Church Was Like Me?”
The following are 10 questions that came to mind. Feel free to use them if you wish. They are simple questions that will speak volumes to those who simply “warm the pews” (or chairs) and those who are “laying it all on the line” in their service in the church.
(To be read slowly and thoughtfully…)
What would happen to the church if everyone were like me?
What would happen if everyone had the same desire to serve as me?
What would happen if everyone had the same attitude as me?
What would the church be like if everyone were as friendly as me?
What would happen if everyone gave the same percentage of their income as me?
What would happen if everyone spoke about the leadership like I do?
What would happen if everyone had the same concern for souls as me?
What would happen if everyone attended church with the same frequency as me?
What would happen if everyone had the same burden for World Missions as me?
What would happen if everyone had the same devotional life as me?
ELEVENTH QUESTION:
Would the Church have Revival, or be struggling for Survival?