Unto the Church of the Lord in every locality, I am under solemn obligation to the extent of my ability, but unto my home congregation, I am under special obligation.

I want my home congregation to radiate a wholesome influence in the community. Therefore, I owe it the example of a good life. For it I must “live soberly, righteously and godly” (Matthew 5:13, 16).

I want the strangers who enter the door of the meeting house to feel at home, to learn to love us, to return from time to time. They are our guests; I must entertain them. I owe it to them, and to the church to show myself friendly. I must not stand back and wait for others to greet them; this I must do (Heb. 13:2).

No congregation can make progress without faithful and efficient leaders. To a certain extent, the members of the church make or break their leaders. To the end that our leaders may be stronger and more efficient, I must give them my support. I must pray for them. As long as they are true men, I must not embarrass them in the work (1 Tim. 5:19).

My home congregation has financial obligations which are due at regular intervals. Whether I give or do not give, these obligations must be paid. If it is right for my congregation to pay its obligations each week, it is right for me to give each week. Though circumstances may force me to be absent at times, my contributions should find their way to the treasury of the church (1 Cor. 16:1-2).

I know that the very existence of my congregation depends upon the attendance of its members. In fact, the attendance is the life of the church (Heb. 10:25). For this reason, I must attend the services...all services I can. For all that I have, I would not have said that my congregation perished because I would not attend the meetings.

I want my home congregation to grow, to multiply in members. Therefore, I must set to the noble work of winning souls for Christ (Luke 19:10). This I can do by preaching and persuading; this I can do by persistent effort; this I can do by bringing them to our meetings.

My home congregation cannot thrive in a frigid atmosphere. I must not by my carelessness allow the church to become a place where hearts are chilled. I must make it a place where hearts are warmed. Therefore, I owe it to my heart, the warmth of my life, I must forgive and forget (Mat. 6:14-15).

Wishing to be honest, I must meet my obligations to the best of my ability. I must with the help that God gives, play my part in the incomparable work of building up the body of Christ.

-- Copied

The TV is my shepherd.
My spiritual growth shall want.

It maketh me to sit down and do nothing for its name sake,
because it requireth all my spare time.

It keepeth me from doing my duty as a Christian,
because it presented so many good shows that I must see.

It restoreth my knowledge of the things of the world,
and keepeth me from the study of God’s Word.

It leadeth me in the paths of failing to attend the evening services,
and doing nothing in the kingdom of God.

Yea, though I live to be a hundred, I shall keep viewing my TV
as long as it will work, for it is my companion.

Its sound and pictures, they comfort me.

It presenteth entertainment before me
from doing important things with my family.

It fills my head with ideas which differ
from those in the Word of God.

Surely, no good thing will come out of my life
because of so many wasted hours, and I shall
dwell in my regrets and remorse forever.

Submitted by Amy Smith

A child was heard to suggest a game of “It” for a group to play and immediately the others started shouting, “Not it! Not it!” Everyone wanted to play the game, but none wanted to hide his face and do the counting. The game sounded interesting, but no one wanted to do the work.

Too often when church work is to be done, members sit still and by their attitude cry out, “Not it! Not it!” It would be a good work and really needs to be done; but some hide behind the excuse, “I’m just not qualified to do it.” It is much easier to enjoy the result of hard work than it is to do the work.

Instead of saying, “Here am I, send me,” we say, “There is John, send him.” Maybe he can do the work a little smoother than we can, and maybe he does have a little more tactful approach to touchy subjects, but that does not relieve us of responsibility. Let us drop this hang-over from childhood — “Not it! Not it!”— and grow up!

Adapted

For many years on God’s green earth
I was seen;
A great blessing to God’s people I surely have been.

I was born through the sacrifice of a great many men;
The place of my birth was a place known for sin.

I was visited often by men small
and great;
In my presence there were several
who met their sad fate.

Beautifully adorned as I went from place to place;
I gave way to one more beautiful
with great poise and grace.

I gave help to many in trouble
and sorrow;
From the Bible my name you surely can borrow.

Submitted by Bob Sneve