Are You Helping Or Hindering?
To hinder the growth of the church is a grievous sin. To do so puts one in the class with Judas, the Jews who crucified Christ, and those ungodly who are described in the scripture, "as springs without water, and mists driven by a storm; for whom the blackness hath been reserved." When the church is hindered the spiritual body of Christ is wounded; the Lord's people are hurt; and souls are sent into eternal condemnation. If there is any difference, the ones who drove the nails in the flesh of the Son of God, have committed the less dastardly deed.
Since this is so serious a sin each member should consider his every step. The following list of deeds is given to help us to look into our own lives. All of these hinder:
1. Go about pouting.
2. Stay away from services.
3. Gossip or talk about others. (Every gossiper should be made to prove his tale.)
4. Condemn preachers for preaching the truth. (There can be no compromising with truth and wrong-doing. Only truth will make men free.)
5. Be indifferent about the church.
6. Take your criticism to the improper person. (The elders will listen and consider what you say. They may not always think your suggestions are the best, and your criticisms just. Often members do not know all conditions and are not in the position to make decisions and render just criticisms. Constructive criticism is always welcome.)
7. Apologize for what the preacher says. (Most of the time this simply means apologizing for the truth. What a shame! Tell the preacher if you disagree with what he says. He will be glad to study with you.)
8. Live ungodly. (Your neighbor hears your words and sees your acts.)
9. Refuse when you are called on to help. ("Let the other person shoulder all responsibility" does not build the church.)
10. Have your feelings sticking out. Someone will step on them and you will be angry most of the time.
11. Be ignorant of God's word. (This makes an easy prey for false teaching.)
12. Be stingy and Covetous.
Too many of these things are in the lives of too many of the members of the church. If any are guilty, reverse your steps and bow your heads in prayer for forgiveness. WE MUST NOT HINDER GOD'S WORK, and don't think for one moment that any one of these things will not hinder.