There are Hollywood celebrities who determine which charities they will contribute to, which social functions they will attend, and what acts of generosities they will perform based upon the mass of media coverage. Unless the news media can guarantee their face on the ten o’clock news and their names in the headlines, forget counting on them for anything!Unfortunately, some members of the Lord’s church are not immune from such “headline” mentality (note this mentality in Matthew 23:5-7). However, there are faithful brethren who are willing to “get in the trenches” — fighting the daily battles required to overcome our arch-enemy — Satan (Ephesians 6:10-12).
Some of the greatest acts of faith usually go unnoticed by our worldly society, but not by God — He notices, and that’s what matters! For example: (1) The widow who cast in her two mites (Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:2-4); (2) The brethren who lowered Paul down in a basket to prevent his certain death (Acts 9:23-25); (3) The brethren who journeyed from Rome to meet and encourage Paul (Acts 28:15); (4) The “few” in Sardis who had not defiled their garments (Revelation 3:4); (5) The poor Macedonian brethren who were so generous with their giving (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).
Other great stories of faith are still being written today. For example, mothers who work at more than one job yet take the time to teach their children about the Bible and God’s love for all mankind (Titus 2:3-5; John 3:16-17; 1 John 4:7-11). Fathers who love their family enough to see that their spiritual needs are met (Genesis 18:16-29; Joshua 24:14-15; Ephesians 6:4).
Bible class teachers who faithfully teach the Word to their students, planting the seed that maybe only heaven will ever see grow (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Young people who refuse to give in to peer pressure (cf. Genesis 39:7-12). Elders who are diligently working to help prevent apostasy within the church (Acts 20:28-32). Preachers who are faithfully preaching the Word, laboring in those thankless tasks that keep them up long hours into the night.
The above listed folks will more than likely never have their names written in the headlines, or even mentioned in church bulletins, but their names are written in heaven’s book — and that’s all that counts (Luke 10:17-20; cf. Exodus 32:32-33; Psalm 56:8; Daniel 12:1; Philippians 4:3; Hebrews 12:23). The question we need to ask ourselves then is: “Am I a headline chaser or one of heaven’s heroes?” Our answer will determine our eternal destination (Revelation 20:12-15).
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
Comments
Post a Comment