Bible Thoughts January 2, 1999
"And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me
to do?"(Acts 9:6 in KJ).
The question asked by Saul of Tarsus was answered by the Lord as He directed Saul to go to Damascus to learn what he must do. In the city, Ananias taught Paul the Gospel of Christ as the persecutor became a Christian.
The question asked by Paul could certainly be an appropriate question for all Christians. During this new year, what must I do to better serve the Lord? What kind of efforts should I put forth in order to be most productive in the cause of Christ? Here are a few suggestions.
The first obligation is to live as a Christian. While a sermon is very effective in relating the truth to others, seeing one living the life that Christ expects of disciples has an immediate impact upon others. By setting the right example and conducting oneself aright, the church will grow spiritually and, eventually, numerically. This is something that every man, woman, boy or girl can help do for the Lord. "Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid"(Matthew 5:14).
Another factor in aiding the growth of the kingdom is for each member to give his/her best support to the work of the local church. Any congregation will grow when every member is active in the Lord's service. Every congregation suffers when even one member is not fully dedicated to the work that is being done. The cooperation and effort of every soul in this place will cause the kingdom to grow. When we let other activities interfere with our service to God, and do not devote sufficient time and effort to the Lord, the church will not grow as she should. What can I do? I can whole-heartedly do whatever I can to support the local work. "But seek ye first his kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you"(Matthew 6:33).
In order for the new year to see proper spiritual growth every member needs to make an effort to attend every service. The local church determines that we need to assemble to worship God, to study, to grow, and to enjoy the fellowship of other brethren. This is made possible in the various assemblies. Growth occurs when all the members put forth extra effort and demonstrates an increased interest in supporting and encouraging one another by assembling with the saints(Hebrews 10:25). In 2000, I can resolve to be present each time the saints meet.
What can I do to improve my service to the Lord? When present in the assembly, be active by singing, listening, thinking, praying, while giving full attention to the services. In Bible classes, prepare for the lesson before class. Participate by answering questions, asking questions, and making comments. Few things are more encouraging to a teacher than to have a class in which all are participating in the discussion of the lesson. Such participation will spark interest, instruct others, train one in the truth, and meet with God's approval. "Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth"(II Timothy 2:15).
What can I do? I can take a good look at myself and search out the talents that may lie dormant within me. When I discover any ability, such can be put to use in the Kingdom of Christ. How, without self-examination, could one know whether he is a teacher, a song leader, a preacher, or the possessor of any other talent, including leading a public prayer, assisting at the Lord's table, etc. Or, perhaps one has the ability to speak with people on an individual basis and create an interest in the truth. The list could be expanded in many areas. It is often surprising to find the hidden talents in oneself. When discovered, they need to be put to use. The Lord told about a man who hid his talent; don't be like him.
How can I serve the Lord in the coming year? I can be enthusiastic for the cause of Christ. Enthusiasm is catching; lukewarmness is devastating. In the work of the local church, one can be not only enthusiastic, but energetically use time, effort, talent, and funds to further the work. No one can take your place; only you can do your part. How will it be in the year 2000?
The reality of the uncertainty of life and the eminence of death came closer and closer to David as he fled from Saul. Although Jonathan attempted to persuade him to return to Saul's household, David knew of Saul's anger toward him and refused to do so. As he was being pursued, he felt the closeness of death to each movement. As a result of David's feeling, he was able to realize "there is but a step between me and death."
There is no doubt there are fewer lessons harder learned by the majority of the people than that of the fine line between life and death. It is but a thread that can be broken by one breath. Much like the web of the spider, easily broken and cast away is physical life. Such facts should cause all people to be more conscious of life and it's worth. Alias, there are but few who will take the steps to prepare for the breaking of the thread. The last "step" comes too soon. This is the picture of life and death. One heart beat, one breath, "one step," and we are no more in this life. Should this not impress each of us?
As surely as David took the "step" between life and death, so must we. There is a proper way to take such and an improper way. The proper way is that of preparedness. "Watch therefore, for ye know not the day nor the hour"(Matthew 25:13). Because we do not know when we will breathe our last, preparedness is to be the state of the Christian. "Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation"(II Corinthians 6:2).
Each day we need to remember, "There is but a step between me and death."