All faithful Christians want the very best for the Lord’s church. When Jesus commands us to “seek first the kingdom of God” (Matt. 6:33), we ought to find great joy in seeking to fulfill that charge on both a personal and collective level. With excitement and heartfelt devotion we can sing, “I love Thy kingdom, Lord, the house of Thine abode; The church our blest Redeemer saved with His own precious blood; I love Thy church, O God!”
For some Christians, the church is not all that important. (If that’s you, I urge you to reevaluate.) But, for many Christians, the church is the center of their lives. They love it. They live it. They want the very best for it. If that is you, let me ask you a question: What is your vision for the church? Where do you see the church in five years, ten years, twenty years? What would you like to see the church doing in the coming years? What sorts of things come to mind?
You might say, “I’d like to see the church grow more.” I think all of us have that vision for the church. In some places, it is concern for the very continued existence of the church. In other places, it is concern for the dwindling numbers. Question: If that is your vision for the church, what are YOU doing to help the church to grow?
You might say, “I’d like to see the church be more friendly.” Who could argue with that? Have you visited a congregation, where you walked in and walked out and no one spoke to you? There is definitely a need for more friendliness. Question: If that is your vision for the church, what are YOU doing to be more friendly, especially to visitors?
You might say, “I’d like to see the church even more devoted to Bible knowledge.” This should definitely be a high priority today. With all that is happening in the religious world, political world, legislative world and entertainment world, the church needs more than ever to know the Bible. Question: If that is your vision for the church, what are YOU doing to be more Bible-centered and increase in knowledge yourself?
You might say, “I’d like to see the church be more concerned about each other.” Sometimes such emphasis can be placed on world missions or helping the poor or attending services (which are all good and necessary activities for the Christian) that some local members may be neglected. We need each other. We need love and encouragement from each other. Question: If that is your vision for the church, what are YOU doing to show love for fellow Christians?
A stronger, healthier, loving, growing church starts with you. It doesn’t start with better programs. It starts with you. Remember—what is it that a little leaven does?