We’ve Grown Numerically …
What about Spiritually?
Within this year, we have been blessed with the addition of more than a dozen souls. These have been Christians for many years but have recently identified with us. Two others were recently restored to Christ and His church, and we are glad to have them return to us! With this numerical growth, we are consistently seeing between thirty-five and forty attending each Lord’s Day morning.
Further, we are encouraged to see the increase in giving as we have prospered. Several congregations with twice the numerical size we enjoy do not see contributions as large as ours, and therefore you are to be commended for your godly generosity.
However, the Lord’s church has never been measured by “how many and how much” but rather by the spiritual growth exhibited by the diligence of that local church to do the Lord’s work. Examining that growth is not an easy task, but some viable markers help us.
Of the thirty-five or more attending Lord’s Day morning, how many return for the evening services? Granted, among the elderly there are reasons rather than excuses. We further realize illnesses can occasionally impact the evening attendance, but not with regularity! It is the number of souls that frankly have no intention of attending Lord’s Day evening services as they think it isn’t vital to their spiritual growth that concerns us! Obviously, these will NOT grow well in the grace and knowledge of the Lord (2 Peter 3:18). They aren’t diligent enough to do so!
Another commendable trait for you brethren here at Orleans is the fact the attendance on Wednesday evenings (commonly called bible study night) is nearly the same as Lord’s Day morning. This makes for more vibrant discussions during the study, and unquestionably enhances the singing! It is an indication of our spiritual growth when brethren are enthused by our assembling and linger for several minutes after the closing prayer to enjoy visiting one another and further discuss the contents of the study!
But what of those who never come for bible study? Many never attend the Lord’s Day morning study, indicating they don’t think they need it. Are they so strong in their faith that they don’t need to attend, or are they disinterested in the study of God’s word and don’t think it necessary to encourage others to study? Those who willfully neglect these studies need to answer Hebrews 10:25 for their objection. “So much the more” can never be justified by “so much the LESS.” How does a soul expect to grow spiritually if they do not partake in the feast of God’s word as often as possible?
Here at Orleans, we enjoy another time of study: Tuesday mornings. This study began ten years ago when a few men asked to come and study for an hour or so. We began with a half dozen or so men meeting in my office, and within a year, found it needful to meet in the auditorium to accommodate the crowd. Soon, women asked if they could also attend these studies and since then, we have averaged twenty in this weekly study. Now, the study is as much a regular part of our weekly times of assembling as all the other “usual” times of assembling. It too is an indication of our spiritual growth.
But what about the spiritual growth of those souls who could attend this useful study, but think it unnecessary? Again, we’re not including those who cannot attend; we’re thinking of those who could attend but make no effort to attend – completely disinterested in the study or even its need. How are they expressing spiritual growth to those who know them to be Christians, and respect them as “good examples?” If being a Christian is the life we live in Christ Jesus (Colossians 3:1 – 17), then by what authority do we NOT live for such opportunities? And if we aren’t LIVING for Christ Jesus, does that not indicate we’re dying – WITHOUT Him?
Spiritual growth cannot be measured by “how many and how much.” Spiritual growth is seen in maturity, discipline, and consistent involvement with truth and righteousness. Spiritual growth is never flamboyant or arrogant but is expressed humbly and often privately by a loving soul saying to a less mature or less knowledgeable soul, “I’d like to discuss something of the scriptures with you.” Spiritual growth is noted when souls see a task to be done, and they do it without waiting to be asked. Spiritual growth is noted when your commitment to Christ and His church is exhibited in such a way as to eliminate all suggestions to the contrary!
We all have room for improvement. Those who recognize their need for improvement and strive to rectify those needs are well on their way to achieving spiritual growth! But let’s not forget those precious souls who aren’t old enough to understand the importance of such righteousness. Children, and some adults, need someone to teach them, and this teaching is best done by providing righteous examples! Therefore, START AT HOME. Parents, in addition to helping your growing children with homework from school, do you have time set aside every evening to read and discuss with them the word of God? Do you exemplify righteousness by praying before every meal, praying before going to bed, and eagerly anticipating the times of assembling with the saints? And for those of us whose families are grown, do we still exemplify the priority of the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33)? If not, why not?
Growth is required (2 Peter 3:18). But this growth is not limited to the “how many and how much” system of measurements. Instead, it is measured by diligence in the faith (2 Peter 1). Diligence is the opposite of laziness. So, dear reader, our growth is determined by diligence and that lets us ask, “How diligent are we in proving our dedication to the One who died for us?”