Editor’s Note: This is the second in a series of planned articles regarding the growth of the local church wherever you might assemble. They are written with the prayerful desire that they generate serious thought within each member regarding his/her responsibility toward the numerical and, more importantly, SPIRITUAL growth of the local church.
How Are We Growing?
Part Two: Are We Commending Ourselves?
2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
There are no “bragging rites” among faithful brethren. Yet, too many continue to boast of their achievements, whether temporal or spiritual, as if to demand the praises of men. Solomon condemned such actions (Proverbs 27:2), and the apostle Paul refused to boast except for the cross of Christ (Galatians 6:14). Likewise, criticism is dangerous. Too many use criticism to build up their reputations, instead of urging the correction of that which they criticize! Worse, their criticism is seldom based in fact: it is often one-sided at best, and more frequently skewed by gossip without the complete story, i.e., “both sides of the dispute.” Regardless of the “bragging” or the “criticism,” which one helps increase the growth of the local church of Christ?
A brother reminded me of the following acronym of the word “THINK,” and it is appropriate to repeat it:
T - True: Is what you're about to say accurate and factual?
H -Helpful: Will your words assist or benefit the person or situation?
I - Inspiring: Will your words encourage or motivate others?
N- Necessary: Is what you're about to say truly needed or important?
K - Kind: Will your words be considerate and respectful?
Before we say or do anything, we need to THINK. If it isn’t true, don’t go any further! If true, but not helpful, stop right there! If true, and helpful if it isn’t encouraging or motivational toward salvation, consider it useless! If it is true, helpful, inspirational, but fails to meet the criteria of being necessary, toss it from your mind! And regardless of how true, helpful, inspiring, or necessary, if it isn’t kind, then no one needs it! If brethren would think on these things (Philippians 4:8), local churches of Christ would grow abundantly!
Alas, folks like to “be in the know” when they should be in the “NO”! The critique of others usually comes from “comparing themselves among themselves.” Now finish the verse: Paul said those who do such things are not wise! Then why do it? What advantage is gained when brethren speak of the wrongs within a congregation and are unwilling to help them correct those ills? Worse, if brethren are not directly involved with the erring congregation, why publicize their problems? What help does that give them? How do such actions persuade souls to obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ? Frankly, it only decreases the effectiveness of truth and righteousness! Brethren, there is enough opposition to Christ from the sinful world without adding to the list by speaking of matters of which we know little or nothing of the completeness of the problem!
If we are going to commend anything among ourselves, let it be Christ and His glory! Commend the singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Commend the fervency and frequency of prayer. Commend the preaching of the gospel (not the preacher – he’s just the messenger/a “loud-mouthed church member.” Commend the fellowship of the brethren: i.e., the family participation in that which builds up one another in the most holy faith, rather than a socialistic area of entertainment.
If we’re going to critique anyone, let us begin with self (2 Corinthians 13:5). By looking in a mirror, we’ll find enough to correct without tangling with matters that don’t involve us other than a nosey desire to meddle in what isn’t our business! (1 Peter 4:15). The church grows best when the individual soul makes sure he/she grows correctly in Christ Jesus! (2 Peter 3:18)