I am under obligation to help the church of my Lord at every locality, to the extent of my ability. But unto my home congregation, I am under special obligation.

I want my home congregation to radiate a wholesome influence in the community. Therefore, I owe it the example of a good life. I must "live soberly, righteously and godly" (Titus 2:12; c.f. Matt. 5:13-16).

I want the strangers who enter the door of the meeting house to feel at home, to learn to love us, to return from time to time. They are our guests. I owe it to them and to the church to show myself friendly. "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares" (Heb. 13:2).

No congregation can make progress without faithful and efficient leaders. To a certain extent, members of the church make or break their leaders. To the end that our leaders may be stronger and more efficient, I must give them my support. I must pray for them. I must protect their reputations. "Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses" (1 Tim. 5:19).

My home congregation has financial obligations, which are due at regular intervals. If it is right for my home congregation to pay its obligations each week, it is right for me to give. Though circumstances may cause me to be absent at times, my contribution should find its way to the treasury of the church. "Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come" (1 Cor. 16:1-2).

I know that the very existence of my home congregation depends upon the attendance of its members. For this reason, I must attend the services. I would not have it said that my home congregation perished because I would not attend the meetings. "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is..." (Heb. 10:25).

I want my home congregation to grow, to multiply in members. Therefore, I must set myself to the noble work of winning souls for Christ. This I can do by teaching and persuading; this I can do by persistent effort; this I can do by bringing others to our meetings. "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he that winneth souls is wise" (Prov. 11:30).

My home congregation cannot thrive in a frigid atmosphere. I must not allow the church to become a place where hearts are chilled. I must make it a place where hearts are warmed. I owe it my heart, the warmth of my life. I must forgive and forget. "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another..." (Col. 3:13).

Wishing to be honest, I must meet my obligations to the best of my ability. I must, with the help that God gives, play my part in the incomparable work of building up the body of Christ, which He purchased with His own precious blood.

- Gospel Spotlight, 3/7/1999