The Church And Its Influence In The World

The need to maintain the pattern of the Lord’s church as the New Testament reveals, is always of utmost importance. Every congregation should focus on this goal as one of its priorities in its operation and direction. Elders need to determine (by the authority of God’s Word) how close or how far a congregation is from the teachings of the Bible and make spiritual adjustments accordingly. The church would be doing and accomplishing more if all congregations would be devoted to being just what the Bible teaches us we should be (2 Corinthians 8:1-5; 1 Thessalonians 1).

In order for the church of our Lord to maintain a true Biblical influence in the world, we as members of the Lord’s body (Romans 12:5) need to display true concern for others in our daily living. We need to think back a few days and ask ourselves, “How many many people have I been nice to?” or “How many people that I come in contact with have I acted miserable toward?” or “How often do I demonstrate a selfish attitude in my relationship toward others?”

The world is too full of impersonal objects without a Christian becoming one of them. Matthew 7:12 teaches, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets.”

None of us have a right to wrong anyone. Our lives would be much happier if we could only apply this Bible precept of loving our fellowman. Even folks who are poor and misfortunate need love, care, friendship, respect, and encouragement.

Often the reason why some people act no better than they do, is because you and I haven’t thought enough to just speak a kind and encouraging word to them. It is great to know that God loves all people (John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9) and therefore, wants us to care for one another (Matthew 22:39).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets