Sullivan church of Christ – Sullivan, MO
Date: April 1, 2007
“And Dear God, Please Help Me to Grow . . .”
Lynn Parker
Those words, often uttered in prayer, make up a proper request. We all should
desire to be stronger spiritually (2 Pet. 3:18). We should indeed long for growth
(1 Pet. 2:11). Let us examine this prayer request, as well as our attitude and
efforts toward spiritual growth.
What would you think of a man who prayed, “God, please help me not to lose my
job,” and then that same man slept in and was late to work every day? I have
heard both men and women who say they want to be stronger spiritually. I have
heard some say they want to know the Bible better. I have heard some folks
piously sing, “More, More About Jesus.” And then I have seen the very same
souls skip Bible classes on Sunday and Wednesday. Any wonder why there is no
growth????
When ones attendance at worship assemblies is “hit and miss,” then that
person will exhibit spiritual stagnation. When a tree in the orchard does not
grow, we give it extra attention. When a Christian does not grow, we try to give
some extra attention as concerned brethren. After all, we have an obligation to
build up each other. “So then let us follow after things which make for peace, and
things whereby we may edify one another” (Rom. 14:19).
Your brethren cannot help you grow if you do not engage in really challenging,
serious Bible study. Some brother and sisters have been in the church for 10
years or more and never yet made 10 pages of study notes. Folks, casual reading
of the Bible is not Bible study.
We cannot edify you if you are not in the assembly of the saints on a regular
basis. If students at public school attended like some of my brethren attend the
worship assembly, they would be charged with truancy (one who is absent
without permission — BJ)!
We cannot help you grow if you persist in saying, “This is not a convenient time”
or employing similar excuses. Everyone is busy. Everyone has more to do in a
week that one can get done. Still, if heaven is really important to you, you will
make time to sit down and study. We have the teachers. We have a strong
desire to see you grow. We can come to your house and spend an hour a week in
diligent study with you. We are ready. Still, we cannot help you grow if you
never make an effort or lift a finger. We will make the time — will you?
You cannot grow to be like Christ if you still wallow in sinful company and
activities. One brother went to “Hooters” restaurant for years (not a place
known for wholesome company but rather known for its party-like atmosphere
and scantily-clad waitresses). After his conversion (?), he continued the same
practice. Need I say that he continues to this day to be lukewarm and useless
in the kingdom? One family in the church (the father was a deacon in the
congregation) regularly rented “R” rated, trashy movies for “family
entertainment.” It should not surprise anyone that families are not growing to
be more like the Savior when they dine on immorality. If you are serious about
growth, clean up your life, throw out the debris, and keep company with
spiritually strong folks who will help you go to heaven.
It is impossible for you to grow if you will not do the things that make for
growth. Enough with wasted months and years. No more excuses. Are you
ready to grow? Do you hunger for spiritual nourishment? It is here for you. We
love you. We will help. God has provided the plan to make growth a reality. All
that is lacking is you. Do not ask God to help you grow if you will not do your
part. Are you willing? Let us grow!
— via “The Better Way,” Weekly Bulletin of the Spring Church of Christ,
Spring, Texas, Dec. 10, 2006
[Note: We appreciate this very excellent and hard hitting article by Brother
Parker. Brother Parker is a faithful gospel preacher in New Branfels,
Texas. Asking God to help us grow is something that we hear quite
frequently in prayer, but we must not be hypocrites when we pray this. We
can’t expect for God to help us grow while doing things that are not
conducive to growth, but which actually thwart spiritual growth.
Brethren, let’s think of these important matters.]
WHO IS A LEADER?
Ben Justice
One definition that has been given of a leader is, “A leader is a man who knows
where he is going, and he knows what to do when he gets there.” It should also
be noted that there is a difference in someone being a manager and someone
being a leader. We have too many managers and not enough leaders. Certainly,
all leaders are managers, but not all managers all leaders. We need leaders in
the church who can not only manage the work of the church but also lead it. As
one writer explained, “Management is the process of assuring that the program
and objectives are implemented. Leadership, on the other hand, has to do with
casting vision and motivating people” (John C. Maxwell, “Developing The
Leader Within You,” Introduction).
Again, a leader is one who knows where he is going and he knows what to do
when he gets there. This is the kind of leadership we need in the church, not
those who simply “keep house.” We need leaders who have vision, for “where
there is no vision, the people perish” (Pro. 29:18). We need leaders who set
goals and have a plan in moving people to where God wants them to be. We
need leaders who can “take the bull by the horns” and motivate people on to God’
s agenda. We need leaders who love souls and the Lord’s church and who seek
to build up the body of Christ. We need leaders who are “dynamic” in their
outlook and attitude, with a great yearning and desire to grow — not only
themselves — but also the congregation — spiritually and numerically. We don’t
need mere “figurehead” leaders who just sort of drift along with the flow. Good
and godly leaders will speak out and step up and who are not afraid to accept the
challenge. This is real leadership.