by Chris Steele

August 5, 2007

Sometimes in the name of progress a large building needs to be taken down. Because of our fascination with the fairly new technology of implosion, the cameras are usually rolling to capture the event for the evening news.

The science of implosion is the strategic placement of explosives and split-second time devices on the infrastructure of enormous buildings and other structures. When the “all-clear” is given, the plunger is engaged, a sequence of explosions begin, and the building is destroyed by falling in on itself. Just think about the many months or even years that it took to build these structures and how long they have stood, and then to think about how little time and comparative effort it takes to destroy them.

Much planning and hard work goes into the establishment and building up of a congregation. Great congregations of the Lord’s church do not just happen. They are built by the persistent prayers, patience, and perseverance of many people over many years. How little foresight or planning goes into the tearing down and destruction of the same. People just do not think of how easy it is sometimes to do great harm to the local congregation, and even the church at large, by the careless things they say and do.

There are some things that every one of us can do to guard against such a thing happening. Pray every day for the church, its elders, and every member (1 Tim. 2:1). Increase in faith through Bible study that we might be protected from error (Rom. 10:17; 2 Tim. 2:15). Never refuse the opportunity to serve (Acts 20:35). We must not neglect our God-given talents if we are to be faithful to the Lord (Eph. 4:16). Never forsake the assembling of the saints, but be encouraged by the worship and fellowship of Christians together (Heb. 10:24-25). Although criticism has its place, use it wisely and sparingly. Looking for faults is always a source of contention and strife. May we demonstrate the love of Christ to our fellow members (1 Cor. 13:4-6). Put Christ and his church first in our lives (Matt. 6:33). If we truly love the church it will show in our speech and our actions. Our light will not be hid under a bushel and our works will be seen to the glory of God (Matt. 5:15-16).