Quality or Quantity?

Be Strong, Be Well — Tuesday, September 8

A business or manufacturer may want to sell to large numbers to make more profit, but if the quality is inferior, the numbers won’t follow. Consumers want quality products and services. A good business principle should rest on the standard of quality first, then the demand will be generated by satisfied customers.

With the gospel, the same principle applies. God sent the Holy Spirit to guide inspired men into all truth—His truth. Every word of scripture was given by inspiration to ensure the quality of the message (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 1:20, 21). God condemns anyone who messes with His word, changing it to suit themselves (Revelation 22:18, 19; 2 Peter 3:16).

Although God demands quality (the unadulterated gospel), He also wants all men to come to repentance and be saved. Since this cannot happen without obeying the genuine truth of the gospel, the numbers won’t be very large. Far too many see no value in the gospel (Matthew 7:13, 14).

Here’s a thought. How will people see what the gospel is really worth if they don’t know what it is? We need to tell them. What will they see if we live as though it’s not worth very much to us? As Christians, if we don’t value our salvation by living true to God’s word, we show those around us the gospel isn’t so valuable after all. However, Jesus said it is a priceless treasure (Matthew 13:44-46).

Here’s another thought. If we are driven by numbers, we’ll compromise the truth (degrade the quality of the gospel) just to have bigger crowds. We must strive for quality over quantity. When we provide quality teaching, the souls who do respond will keep coming back for more. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6). —Chris