"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58) In this passage, we clearly see that God expects His children to be moving forward. Standing still is regression, and it does not please Him. God's people must always be on the offensive, taking on the devil and delivering God's word to those who are lost and dying in sin. And we must always be ready to defend the truth when false teachers are attacking it (1 Peter 3:15 and Jude 3).

As the world grows larger, the Lord's church seems to be growing smaller. Why is this? Most cities where there are established congregations are cities that are growing in population; but in many places, the churches are diminishing in size. Brethren, this should sound alarms and raise red flags in our minds! What is happening to us? Sadly, I'm afraid that we have, in many places, given up the fight. Why? Let me offer some personal observations:

Our minds are not on spiritual things. Understandably, this is part of the world's problem-but it is also a major factor in the church. Where are our priorities? Unfortunately, we have become too involved in the world and are just too busy or too tired to expend much effort to converting the lost-even our own children! Simply bringing them to services is not enough. Christianity must play a large part in our home lives, and parents must live righteously before their children. We are also losing members to the religions of the world. Could we be so busy that we fail to see around us the signs that some of our own are drifting from the proverbial shore of safety? "Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away." (Hebrews 2:1) Do we show proper concern for one another, and are we anxious about the souls of others?

We leave the job to others. "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Philippians 2:12) Too many of us allow others to do the work that we should be doing for God. Elders have the spiritual oversight of our souls (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4); and preachers are responsible for instructing and edifying brethren in the truth (2 Timothy 4:1-5). But did God intend for these to be the only church members who have spiritual responsibilities in His church? Of course not! Neither elders nor preachers can do the work that God has given each individual to accomplish. Each church member is either part of the solution or part of the problem. Sadly, it appears that we have more problems than solutions! Think about it. If Christians don't take God's work and kingdom seriously, who will?