Do You Have The "We" Feeling?
Several years ago an article was written by E. C. Meadows regarding the local work and its members. Brother Meadows emphasized, "Before one is of great value to the church, he must possess the "we" feeling. As long as he has the "they" feeling, he will do little. When you talk of the Lord's work and use "they" it indicates that you have no feeling or responsibility to do your part, no feeling of belonging. DON'T BE AN OUTSIDER LOOKING IN -- BE AN INSIDER PITCHING IN! GET THE "WE" FEELING."
Beloved, in order for the Lord's church to truly grow spiritually and numerically each member must get the "we" feeling! What brother Meadows said may be painful, but there is little doubt about its truthfulness. "As long as he has the "they" feeling, he will do little"! Why is it many members will have the "we" feeling when it comes to politics, business, sports, recreation and family, but possess the "they" feeling when it comes to the Lord's church? Could it be that they have set their affections on things of the earth, and not things above (Col.3:l-2)? Remember the words of Jesus, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matt.6:21)!
One of the wonderful, things about being a Christian is that we can change. That's what repentance is all about, changing our minds and redirecting our lives. An example of this is found in Matthew 21:28-29, "But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went".
Brethren, the continued success of the Lord's church at 111 South Curry Street in terms of spiritual and numerical growth DEPENDS ON YOU AND ME! We must possess the right attitude. Are we looking forward to assembling with the saints? Do we realize the potential for good that we can do for the Lord every day? Are we as excited about the cause of Christ as we are about money and recreation? Ask yourself...
Is it "we" or "they" will invite someone to attend services this Lord's day?
Is it "we" or "they" are going to pray for the elders, deacons, Bible class teachers, preacher, the lost and erring?
Is it "we" or "they" need to give as prospered every Lord's day?
Is it "we" or "they" will participate in singing praises unto God?
Is it "we" or "they" will stop using our/their tongues to gossip?
Is it "we" or "they" need to be friendly to our visitors?
Is it "we" or "they" who are going to try and teach the gospel to the lost?
Is it "we" or "they" need to change our attitude?
Is it "we" or "they" need to encourage our young people?
Is it "we" or "they" need to help restore erring brethren?
Is it "we" or "they" need to stand for the truth?
Beloved, only YOU can answer for yourself. Do YOU have the "we" or "they" feeling about the Lord's work?
As brother Meadow emphasized,
DON'T BE AND OUTSIDER LOOKING IN - BE AN INSIDER PITCHING IN!
--Ivie Powell