|
 Jesus
came bringing a message of deliverance to sinners in need of
a Saviour. He was often reproved and rebuked by the
Pharisees for his interaction with and love for others. Jesus
said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to
repentance” (Luke 5:32). Jesus was moved at the plight of
people bound by the power of the devil and was moved with
compassion at the needs of humanity. At the expense of his
own comfort, he ministered to the hurting and the wounded.
There are times that congregations and saved people become
too self-focused. Spiritual maintenance is very important
and necessary in congregations, but let us always remember
the primary message and burden of Christ. The Church needs
to have a greater burden and love for lost souls that brings
about an active missionary effort in reaching out to the
sinner. When sinners come to the worship service of the
saints, they should find the warm love of God emanating from
our midst.
When people lose the primary message of Christ – a message
of hope and love – the result is often bickering and
devouring one another. It is much easier to be critical of
other saved people. If you ever begin to get bogged down
with the cares and worries of ‘church problems,’ remember
our reason for being – to spread the simple message of
salvation. This will help bring about a spiritual balance in
our vision of the Church and it's function. We can avoid
many pitfalls and traps that the enemy has laid if we will
get involved and occupied with our Father’s business.
May our burden ever be the burden of Christ.
-Bro. Michael Smith |
