Nehemiah 10.38,39 And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house. For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.
And we will not forsake the house of our God. That is the language of a true lover of God. That s the language of a true lover of God’s people. That is the language of commitment. This is the language of none other than The Lord Jesus Christ, Who had a zeal for the house of the Lord (John 2:17). Can you put your amen to this? Are you zealous for the church of Christ and the worship of God? How are you showing your support and zeal? It is so easy to slip into the mentality within the local church that “the other brothers or sisters” will serve here, or do that.
Collectively, the body of Christ are called a royal priesthood. In this priesthood, every saint has something to offer, a gift to bring to the house of The Lord. The body is not one member, but many, and all the members are called to function in harmony with one another for the glory of God. It is so easy for you to think that who you are and what you do are not important in your local church. Oh dear saint, do not think that way. Every part of the body, every gift that you have. Every prayer you pray. Every moment you serve. Every penny you give unto The Lord. Every expression of love for others in the body are invaluable and bring glory to God. The local church is not fun ironing at full capacity when parts of the body are missing or “closed for business.” Lord Jesus, open our eyes and hearts afresh to the love you have for your bride, the church.
Beloved, on behalf of ever pastor that I know, please listen. You are vital and necessary for the spiritual health of your church community. Your support and expressions of love and grace towards others means more than you will ever know. Make a firm resolution to not forsake the house of our God. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
If you want to be great in the kingdom of God, your mindset must be Christ-centered with a firm resolution to spend your life focusing on what you give, not what you get. Listen beloved, you will not get any more out of your local church than what you put into it. Investing in your church is one of the ways we bring glory to God.
AMEN Pastor Ray,
It is through the Christ-centered life that One will find complete joy in serving and fellowshipping in their church. Focusing on blessing others, and sharing your gifts not only bring joy by always bring glory to God!
Thsnk you Dawn.