By Daniel Haynes
Invariably, there is always room for improvement! Every facet of life requires some degree of improvement. Denial is a deadly disease. Self-examination and godly grief supply the antidote (2 Cor. 7:10). One area that certainly needs improvement is congregations of the Lord’s people. This is by no means an attack against the nature of God – whatever God supplies is always sufficient – but rather it serves as a confession of man’s imperfections and the need to cooperate with the Lord, that he might help us overcome our weaknesses (Mark 10:27; John 15:5; Rom. 8:13; Eph. 3:14-21; 6:10- 18; Phil. 1:6; 2:12-13; 4:13; Col. 1:9-12; Jude 24-25). Below are ten rules that offer practical solutions concerning how we can help improve the congregation that we identify ourselves with. It is my heart’s desire and prayer to God that with an open-heart you will consider these ten rules. And may God our Savior, who alone is wise, bless you to this end!
1. Admit to yourself that since you are not perfect, you would not fit into a “perfect” congregation if one existed.
2. Instead of spending the majority of your time pointing the finger at worldly members, why not spend the bulk of your time thanking God for the sincere, dedicated, spiritual members.
3. If you are advanced in years, treat the young with the consideration you desired as a young person. If you are young, treat those advanced in years with the respect you will want when you are that mature.
4. When you are tempted to criticize others, be sure to pray earnestly for them first. This may not change them, but it will improve your attitude.
5. When you see a work being neglected, instead of being hyper-critical, why not offer to help – or simply do it yourself!
6. Never blame others for your own failures. Every individual can be faithful to God in spite of bad examples and discouraging attitudes of others!
7. Remind yourself everyday that the only way you can improve the world or the church is to begin with yourself.
8. Consciously look for the good qualities in each brother and sister in Christ; make a mental note of the good points each possesses.
9. Constantly strive to increase your circle of associates in the church. Try to do something for each.
10. Every church has problems. Constantly ask yourself, “Am I a part of the problem, a part of the solution, or merely a critical spectator?”
- These ten rules were taken from Bulletin Digest and slightly modified