“We want you to live as if you were worthy of the Lord. Please Him in every way. Produce the fruit of good deeds. Grow in your knowledge of God.” Phil 1:10 (Simple English Bible)
One church decided to embark on intense Bible studies for their members. The congregation was encouraged and even hounded at times to attend the various studies four night a week. A few were made to feel guilty that they didn’t attend. A rigorous schedule ensured that every Christian was accounted for and spoken to if they didn’t attend. A strange thing happened: people started staying away, a few left for other congregations and the work of the church ground to a halt. The leaders couldn’t figure it out: Christians should be taught even if they were reluctant. After all, it was for their own good!
Yes, Paul wanted the Christians in Philippi to grow in the knowledge of our Lord. It is good to gather around the Word and share together. But Paul also wanted them to “produce the fruit of good deeds”! Hey, maybe these things go hand in hand! Maybe they were designed to go together. Like a bookend for Christian maturity.
There are so many people suffering in your community, your street, your church and perhaps even in your home. It seems that we attend the worship services to be taught, which is good, too, but shouldn’t we also be helping and encouraging one another? Maybe that person you can help sits right next to you during a prayer meeting or Bible study. Perhaps your next door neighbor is in great need and a kind word would make such a difference in their life. Our good deeds bring us closer to Christ’s footsteps and His wisdom will open more doors for better service.
All we have to do is keep our eyes open and our hands ready to serve.
Steve
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