by Chris Steele

January 27, 2008

How can a Christian attend worship on occasion, rarely be involved in any other activity of the church, and honestly believe that God is pleased with such limited service? I heard a story the other day about a man who had come out to worship, which he did not do very often. As he was leaving the building after the service, the preacher was in his usual place by the door shaking hands. As the man passed by, the preacher grabbed his hand and pulled him aside and said, “We don’t see you very much these days. You need to join the army of the Lord, my friend!” The man replied, “I'm already in the Lord’s army.” Then he leaned over and whispered, “I work undercover.” How many do we know who might fall into this kind of service?

Jesus taught that the life of a Christian is one that can be seen. In fact it is one that cannot be hidden away. “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). Although Christianity is not to be showy, it must be showing!

People who think that minimal is acceptable are usually those who are so wrapped up in their own lives that they have no time left for the Lord’s work. They need to be made aware of Jesus teaching on discipleship. To be the kind of disciple that the Lord wants, one must be willing to “deny himself, and take up his cross daily…” and follow Christ (cf. Luke 9:23). The early Christians did this very thing. They were “daily in the temple, and in every house” (Acts 5:42). Daily service to God will feed the soul and create a desire to want to be with the saints, not only in the regular assemblies (both Sunday worship services and Bible study on Sunday morning and Wednesday evening), but also at other times (special events, extra Bible classes, benevolent work, visitation, and evangelism).

So you think you’re in the Lord’s army? Does it show? Can anyone really tell who you serve?