Attitude

The Will of Man

Posted on by Bob Mathews

Those who abuse the will of man by being self-willed are counted among the unjust (2 Peter 2:4-11).  Such persons are unyielding, persistent, and exaggerate one’s own worth in an overbearing manner.  They adhere to a course in spite of reason, argument, or persuasion, and are commanding and domineering.  They easily violate biblical regulations concerning judgmental pursuits (Rom. 14) and may threaten others in pursuit of fulfilling self-will.  Listed below are some of the potential effects of being self-willed.

 

  1. Personal relationships may be strained if not damaged.
  2. Others may be encouraged to be unyielding toward such a person.
  3. Others may be encouraged to retaliate against another.
  4. Personal influence may become more limited.
  5. One may become a law-breaker in other matters.
  6. Respect from others may be lost.
  7. Peace may be threatened in the home and in the church.
  8. Potential progress in various contexts may be impaired.
  9. Christian cooperation and fellowship may be challenged.
  10. Genuine spiritual growth in others may be impaired.
  11. The leadership of a congregation may be undermined.
  12. One is disqualified from serving as an elder in the church.
  13. One may tear down the progress of another.
  14. A congregation may be misdirected.
  15. A congregation may develop competing factions.
  16. The Christian spirit of God’s people may be quieted.
  17. Dreams and visions may be destroyed.
  18. One may be viewed more so as a radical rather than sensible.
  19. The future of a congregation may be radically affected.
  20. One may lose his soul.

 

In view of the potential devastation that may result from the free exercise of self-will, may each of us be gently guided away from such an attitude and be guided more toward a cooperative spirit as we labor together in the context of Christian fellowship.

The Ideal Congregation (Pt. 5)

Posted on by Bob Mathews

The ideal congregation responds in a positive manner to the plans of its leadership, especially when a congregation is led by an appointed godly eldership.  Christians were exhorted to “obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: For they watch for your souls, as they that must give account…” (Heb. 13:17).  On the one hand, we must obey our elders both in matters of faith and matters of judgment as such concerns the work and well-being of the local congregation.  On the other hand, may our elders have the courage and vision to plan the work of the congregation so that unity, truth, and the mission of the church are supported and fulfilled.

To achieve and maintain the above aspirations, we as members should establish and nurture a trusting, respectful relationship with our elders.  The effort required to do so must be reciprocal, all parties making their best effort to work well together.  Additionally, may we respond to leadership plans by seeking out an active role in the actual implementation of the work.  If improvements are needed or desired in our cooperative efforts, may we employ well-timed constructive criticism whose only goal is to assist in improving our work.  In this manner we will bring a greater measure of glory to both the Father and the church as we struggle together to do the work of the Lord.

The ideal congregation practices liberality in both attitude and action, especially as such relates to the planning, organization and implementation of individual or congregational spiritual labors.  The apostle Paul, in commending liberality, encouraged the brethren in Corinth to sow bountifully (2 Cor. 9:6) and to “ lay by him in store as God hath prospered him“ (1 Cor. 16:2).  He set before the congregation the sacrificial liberality of the Macedonians to motivate them unto similar action (2 Cor. 8:1-7).

Liberality may be rightfully exercised in contexts that may not involve financial interests and be equally important and impacting.  May we as the people of God better learn the art of liberality in mercy (Col. 3:12) and compassion (Matt. 18:21-35), thereby relieving others’ affliction as prompted by a heart that is truly touched by their distress.  May we better develop loving concern for all men (Rom. 13:8) so that we better imitate our heavenly Father (Eph. 5:1; John 3:16).  May we exercise liberality in the commitment and use of both our time and our talents in the work of the Lord (Matt. 25:14-30).  Such liberality is wisely exercised in all good works that the Father demands of us individually.  In order to successfully attain the worthy goal of liberality, may we be as the Macedonians who first gave themselves unto the Lord (2 Cor. 8:5).  Only then may we prosper as we never have before.