Tag: service

FIVE MEMBERS I WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE

Neal Pollard

THE ENCOURAGER.  This selfless person is always looking for a back to pat or a hand to lift.  He or she is intent on others being appreciated for their contribution to the Lord’s work.  These have a knack for doing so actively and genuinely.

THE UPBEAT.  This smiling person has not had fewer surgeries, health issues, or reverses of life (in fact, many times they have had more than their share).  Though you know they are suffering, if you ask them how they are you hear a silver-lining answer and see a twinkle in their eyes that betrays hope and optimism.  They seem focused on heaven, not their hurts.

THE WORKER.  This serving person does not have more leisure time or fewer potential life interests, but you will see them often between services, at church gatherings, at all the services, and wherever help is needed.  Their energy and time reserve seems endless, and without them the needs of hurting members would go unmet, the souls of lost people would go untaught, and the jobs for all members would go undone.

THE STEADY.  This steadfast person is not immune from long days at work, times of tiredness, family obligations, and other diversions.  They are not above the ups and downs and highs and lows of life.  But, whenever the doors are open, they are present.  They do not blow hot and cold.  They see the Christian race as a marathon, one which they are not about to quit.  They just keep a constant, methodical pace.  They may not be the most outspoken, vivacious, or even talented spark-plug in the congregation.  They just keep going and going and going.

THE TENDER.  This sweet person is on the phone, on the move, or at the pew, with caring spirit, tending to the cares and concerns of others.  No doubt these same members are the mightiest prayer warriors in the church, those who love with a pure heart fervently.  They grasp the concept that we are a family, and they love in deed and not just in tongue.  You know they genuinely care about you.  In fact, you may have them to thank in part if you stand at the Lord’s right hand some day.

Think about these five members.  Did you have other names, specific first and last names, that you would substitute for the five names mentioned?  Where would your name go?  In place of any of those five, or would you have to look elsewhere?  It’s a choice we all make.  How do we want to be seen?

GO ABOUT DOING GOOD

Neal Pollard

One good man told another good man that the Greatest Man “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38).  In the midst of a statement about His Deity and His power, this profound principle still stands out about His deeds.  Obviously, Jesus would not go about doing evil (1 Pet. 2:22), but neither would He settle for mediocrity and uninvolvement.  He was the proactive Prince of Peace!

Of course, He wants us to follow Him (cf. Mt. 4:19; 1 Co. 11:1; 1 Pet. 2:21).  As His followers, we must go about doing good.  When we consider what scripture says about our doing good, it should make us eager to be a full-fledged participant.  Consider:

  • Doing good brings glory to God (Mt. 5:16; 1 Pet. 2:12).
  • Doing good makes us rich in the only way that counts (1 Tim. 6:18).
  • Doing good is the pathway to the resurrection of life (Jn. 5:29).
  • Doing good proves that we are owned by God (Titus 2:14).
  • Doing good is how we show that we are fruitful (Titus 3:14).
  • Doing good is how to show yourself as the right kind of example (Titus 2:7).
  • Doing good will eventually reap wonderful benefits (Gal. 6:9).
  • Doing good pleases God (Heb. 13:16).
  • Doing good results in eternal life (Rom. 2:7).
  • Doing good is learned behavior (Isa. 1:17).
  • Doing good is an ever-present opportunity (Mk. 14:17).
  • Doing good comes with a window of opportunity (Gal. 6:10).
  • Doing good helps one love life and see good days (1 Pet. 3:10-11).

Look at the blessings attached to doing good.  It brightens others’ lives.  It enriches our own lives.  It brings eternal life.  It pleases the One who is “The Life” (cf. Jn. 14:6).  Doing good is truly the good life and the only life.  It may be a word, a smile, an action, a favor, a sacrifice, a gift, or a prayer.  It may take a moment.  It may take much longer.  Do it to make others happy, to contribute to your own happiness, and to make God happy.  Most importantly, just do it!

THE HIGH PRICE OF INACTION

Neal Pollard

Penn State students nearly rioted overnight, protesting the firing of legendary head football coach, Joe Paterno.  “Joe Pa” had been the symbol of class and integrity, caring for his players and winning big every year.  Just this season, the 84-year-old passed Eddie Robinson as the winningest coach in Division One history, with 409 wins in his 46th season.

But, in 2002, a graduate assistant reported to Paterno that he witnessed a former coach, Jerry Sandusky, committing unspeakable, reprehensible crimes against a young minor on college grounds. Paterno reported it to a school official, but did not go to the police. Sandusky was allowed to maintain a strong presence on campus for another decade!  Along the way, high school coaches, maintenance staff, and other boys who were in the charity for wayward youths started by Sandusky, reported either assaults or suspicious behavior. But, no legal or punitive actions occurred until last week!  The number of boys whose lives have been permanently traumatized is still unclear.

Paterno was not the only one guilty of inaction. The number of bystanders who said and did nothing is staggering.  Now, heads are rolling, including the university’s president and this revered head football coach.  Having this ignominy for a legacy, Paterno lamented, “It is one of the great sorrows of my life.  I wish I had done more” (espn.com, “Joe Paterno’s Penn State Legacy”).

Physically, it is hard to think of a more heinous crime than those against the innocent.  It is an illustration of the high price of inaction!  How bad is it to be aware of danger, of immorality, of that which is unacceptable to God, but say nothing?

I fear that too many pulpits, even in the Lord’s church, are woefully silent when it comes to warning about sin–whether doctrinal, ethical, or moral matters.  Some men will not overtly teach error, but you will never hear them preach and warn about those “difficult subjects.”  How many elderships have failed to lead the church in disciplining the erring or standing up for God’s Word?  How many times have we failed to act on behalf of our Savior, at work, at school, at social functions, and the like?

A world, by and large, is heading toward eternal punishment (cf. Mat. 7:13-14).  We know this is true!  We know the worth of every soul to God (Jn. 3:16).  Will we stand by and say and do nothing?  Do not be guilty of doing nothing!