Getting off The Ground

Benny B. Bristow

O

ne of my favorite little stories tells about some domesticated geese that lived snugly in a barn. Every morning and evening, the farmer came and fed them corn, and when it was cold, raining, and stormy, they were safe and warm in their barn. But every autumn when the wild geese flew over, they went outside and dreamed. They said that one of these days they would also take to the skies, fly over towering mountains and land on beautiful lakes. But, when nighttime came, they wobbled back into the security of the barn. They never got off the ground.

This little story illustrates how many in the church act. We come together and hear lessons and sermons on the importance of going with the gospel (Mark 16:15), putting the kingdom and righteousness first in our lives (Matthew 6:33), and the importance of growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). Then many of us may (like the geese) return to our comfort zones of seeking things other than the spiritual.

We may dream of attending every assembly (Hebrews 10:25), of being faithful until death (Revelation 2:10), of being greater teachers and making every effort to help this church grow. But again, we may never get off the ground!

What are the consequences of such actions? First of all, as individual Christians, we become weak and face the danger of becoming like the world (1 John 2:15,16). The lukewarm state is the most dangerous possible position! This is true because it becomes a comfort zone to the point that we are not challenged to improve. Could this be why Jesus told the church of the Laodiceans that they made Him want to vomit? (Revelation 3:16).

Second, when individuals are complacent, so is the church! The church is made up of the “called out.” We are members of the body that carry out the work and service of the church. Therefore, our individual spirituality will reflect the actions of the church. As the church of the Lord, we must “get off the ground” and show by our actions that we love the church and want to seek daily growth.

When we are involved in helping the church to grow, there are many things in our lives that must be set aside. Like the geese, it may be more comfortable and convenient to take it easy in the barn. However, this does not please God! Jesus said about His church or kingdom: “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).

Will you help us “get off the ground” in the work of the Longview church?