Are We A "Settin' Hen" Type Of Christian?

Growing up on my grandparent's farm, we had several settin' hens. This hen goes around with her feathers all ruffled up with a terrible disposition. She never likes to be bothered by other chickens or human beings. If you bother her, she will definitely try to peck you. The cause of her misery and unhappiness boils down to two words — no production. She never lays an egg.

A non-productive Christian is like the above settin' hen, because to them, service is a duty and attending worship services is a drudgery. They fail to see that the cause of their misery is their own lack of productivity. They are doing so little for the Lord and the kingdom, that they have lost their zeal and enthusiasm for His work.

Do we see Christian service as a burden rather than a blessing? Let's ask ourselves this question: "What am I doing for Christ?" If our answer is "nothing" or "very little," then there's no wonder why we are so miserable and unhappy.

The abundant life that we in Christ in only for those who are willing to produce (John 15:1-8; cf. Matthew 5:16; Philippians 1:9-11). The joy of service is only for those who love to serve others. Those who are spiritually committed to Christ, will get the job done.

Remember the first part of the above story? We had better leave the "settin' hen" alone, because she will peck us if we don't. Likewise, when we start to bother members of the Lord's church who are unfaithful and not producing anything for the Lord, they will eventually peck us, simply because they don't want anyone to cross their path. They want to be completely left alone.

Dear reader, as a Christian, are we producing fruit in the Lord's kingdom [the church], or are we a "settin' hen" type of Christian?

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets