Tag: reliability

That Won’t Do It

Neal Pollard

The parable of the two brothers in Matthew 21 was an early favorite of mine in childhood, though it had nothing to do with the fact that I have a brother. Of course, the focus is on each of their relationships with the Father more than their relationship to each other. Jesus is illustrating, as He often does, the fact that the sinners would accept Him before the corrupt religious leaders would. Yet, the fundamental problem of the Pharisees, as Jesus points out in this parable, is their profession without proper performance.

By application, how tragic are intentions without attending actions. The second son who said he would not but did is commended for his change of heart. Do we ever see any who follow the example of that second son?

* “I will not do it.” Jesus’ point was not to refer to that large class of people who say they will not, then follow through. Obviously, though, an unwillingness to serve Christ and those He died to save is not commendable. Keeping our word not to be involved or committed just won’t do!

* “I ought to do it.” Here’s the remark of someone with enough conscience to know what is right, but not enough desire or discipline to make the “ought” the “is.” That just won’t do! 

* “I may do it.” This is the word of someone who has decided not to decide. Tomorrow is always their best work day. They are ever deciding, but never deciding. Of course, neither will this do!

God’s ideal servant is the one who says he will, then does it. As Jesus shows in this parable, He is even pleased with the stubborn whose heart is softened. Yet, the above groups’ attitudes just won’t do, literally and figuratively!

A LOOK AT SOME GREAT MEMBERS

Neal Pollard

Anything special, big and worthwhile a church attempts, be it a new program, evangelism, visitation, the Bible School, or a lectureship, will fail if it rests only on the shoulders of the elders, preachers, or select few. The late Wendell Winkler was fond of saying, “Programs do not work. People do.” Programs are only as effective as the people in the local church work to make them.  It is estimated that nearly a gazillion little things must be done for something of any magnitude to go smoothly, and the active, tireless labor of as many as possible makes all the difference.

Active members are so crucial to a church being successful, in God’s eyes. Here is a tribute to some very special members of a congregation:

The REMEMBERS: These are the folks who don’t “forget” events on the church’s calendar, who don’t say “Oh, was that this week?”  As you involve yourself in the church’s work, you take seriously the ever-relevant principle, “But you shall remember the LORD your God…” (Deut. 8:18). God does not like to be forgotten (Psa. 42:9; Jer. 2:32; Ezek. 22:12).

The DISMEMBERS: These are folks who are willing to sever themselves from their normal routines, preempting other events, to support an activity or event.  Such are living out Matthew 6:33 and Romans 12:1-2. God richly blesses Christians who make such decisions.  You are those who know it is better to “cut off” anything that keeps you from doing what you can for the Lord (cf. Heb. 12:1).

The EMBER MEMBERS: These are members who are involved, supporting the works and activities of the church. You have your fire lit. You want to be a better child of God. Keep the fires of enthusiasm, rededication, and determination burning brightly. We see your glow. It encourages all of us. You can help smoke out spiritual enemies even better through your faithful participation.

God bless every faithful member of His church. Your support for good works is overwhelming.  Let us use each event and opportunity to make the church, with its every member, stronger.