The Lord's church was purchased at a very high price. "He gave Himself for it" (Eph. 5:25). The mission of this church is very great indeed. It is the "pillar and ground of the truth" (1 Tim. 3:15). Therefore, it is important that all Christians be fully aware of their responsibility to make the church just as strong as possible. We must not fail to realize that the strength of the church depends upon us - not upon God. He did His part and did it perfectly. Any weakness that may come upon the church is strictly a human weakness.
There are two primary qualities that must always be possessed if a local church is to be strong. First there must be purity and peace before other attributes may even be considered. Regardless of what others may find to be important or even necessary, these two are foundation qualities to be possessed before and above all others.
Brethren must be united - not simply in passive tranquility which allows them to worship together peacefully but in aggressive activity that binds them together in real service to God and to man. Yet, while fully united in action, we must engage in that which is true and pure in God's sight. James said, "...first pure, then peaceable" (James 3:17). If a church is truly possessed with unity and purity, it is well on the road to success and strength; and then we will also see some other qualities.
A strong church is always filled with love within. It is said of the Christians who lived in the first century that an observer remarked, "See how they love one another." Peter said, "see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently" (1 Pet. 1:23). This love will not be manifested in mere lip service but in devoted affection, concern, and care for one another.
A strong church will demonstrate love for truth. This will be more than a negative approach. We will not simply avoid and oppose false doctrine, but we will enthusiastically uphold and defend truth. In other words, strength manifests itself not only in defense against evil but also in positive, forward action. If people do much good but fail to oppose error, the false doctrine and unscriptural activity will inevitably come into their lives and religion. But if people oppose error diligently and fail to fill their lives with good deeds, then they will possess an empty religion quite worthless to God and man. True love for truth will cause us to fight error and, at the same time, uphold truth before the world.
A strong church will love people - all people. Without such love enthusiastically manifested the church will be selfish, unconcerned, and indifferent to human needs both in the physical and spiritual realms. Fervent love for all lost souls will motivate God's people to urgency in activity that will not be restrained by disappointments nor diminished by difficulties. This kind of love will make each Christian a real worker in Christ's vineyard and will enable each congregation to become an effective pillar for upholding and spreading the truth.
When Christians really learn to love all mankind we will cease to be mere "reservists" and will become active "combatants" in God's army, fighting for the souls of men. When we are motivated more by love and not simply by duty, when we learn to equate responsibility with opportunity, and when we look upon service to God and to mankind as a privilege and not just an obligation, then life will be much more satisfactory for us and more fruitful before God.
Let us "overcome evil with good" (Rom. 12:21), and "be not weary in well doing" (2 Thess. 3:13). With God as our helper, and unity, purity, and love characterized in our action, weakness will be overcome and strength will manifest itself in victories.
- Think On These Things, July-Sept. 2016
- Reprinted from a church bulletin from 1965