“You are Christ’s body—that’s who you are! You must never forget this. Only as you accept your part of that body does your “part” mean anything. You’re familiar with some of the parts that God has formed in his church, which is his “body”: apostles, prophets, teachers, miracle workers, healers, helpers, organizers, those who pray in tongues. But it’s obvious by now, isn’t it, that Christ’s church is a complete Body and not a gigantic, unidimensional Part? It’s not all Apostle, not all Prophet, not all Miracle Worker, not all Healer, not all Prayer in Tongues, not all Interpreter of Tongues. And yet some of you keep competing for so-called “important” parts. But now I want to lay out a far better way for you.” (I Corinthians 12:27-31 The Message Bible)
No one was suspecting the hotel to collapse, and I know that church members everywhere do not expect their church to collapse. However, we have been witnesses to it happening. Going forward, to proactively circumvent the collapse of any church or the fall of individuals that make up the church, the following should be done. First, pay attention to the little things in the church’s ministry; ranging from the little things we take for granted and all the way to reaching the little ones, the youth and children that will carry on the roles that need to be performed efficiently and effectively after the older generation is unable to do what they have been faithfully doing for decades. Regardless of the age of the older generation believer, I do know they will keep trying, maintaining the mindset we talked about earlier this week, “I’m still strong.” Nevertheless, successors will be needed in the church. Thank God for some of you who have recognized your role as a “successor.” As far as the second piece of advice, it relates to the core, the faithful few. If you are a part of the inner circle, often called the faithful few, stay strong, keep it together. If you are the pastor or overseer of the church, a leader in any capacity, be careful not to weaken the “core” by over delegating, or by failing to develop new leaders to share the burden, and avoid over-working the “core” to the point that they become discouraged because expectations interfere with God’s expectations for the husband and wife of a family. If the “core” weakens, as we have witnessed with many churches that once were, but are no more, the church will collapse. To the faithful few, again I say to you, stay strong. However, know that you are not vulnerable to weakening too. So actively recruit help and even go as far as Moses’ father-in-law and give your pastor some relevant advice, being ethical and showing integrity, to avoid over burdening the “core.” This may result in a better distribution of the work, more productivity in kingdom building, and increased morale. When morale goes up, the productivity goes up. Just as a side note, in the secular world, on the job, just one act that lowers morale can cost a company thousands of dollars. One act that lowers morale in the church can cost great losses too! The third piece of advice, also a lesson learned from the collapse of the Hard Rock Hotel, is to be diligent so as to avoid human error. Human error covers a multiplicity of things, far too many to list them all, but a list would definitely include the error of not studying the word, the failing to stay in prayer, neglecting to assemble with the saints when they gather together, and perpetuating errant thinking that gives birth to poor stewardship in regard to one’s treasures, talents, and time.
Take this advice seriously and respond to it. As a closing, let me bring back the words of an old hymn that some are not acquainted with because it does not fit contemporary gospel genres. You Baby Boomers will recognize them. Read the lyrics below, written by Eric Mote in 1834. They still work for me! Think about them. Review the advice above one more time. React in the right way to avoid an unexpected and unforeseen collapse of the church or of your discipleship and faithfulness. Love you! Be blessed!
“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.”