From the Elder's Pen SOMETHING IS MISSING INSIDE Past/Future Articles

The story is told of two Romans that found their friend dead.  They observed his body and found that all parts were in place and seemed sound.  Therefore, they said, “He can’t be dead!”  They lifted him up to a sitting position, but when they turned him loose, he fell back motionless.  With amazement one commented, “All seems well, but there must be something missing inside!”

Paul had this same thought in mind when he penned the following words to the Corinthians:  “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity (love) it profiteth me nothing.” (1 Cor. 13:3).  Something is missing inside!  Here is the divine revelation from God’s word that unveils many mysteries.  How many times have you seen members of the church drift away from God and back to the pleasures of sin, and wondered why?  Every year, most congregations lose members that return to the ways of the world.  In some cases, they totally give up Christianity, while others continue to attend some of the services with the least amount of interest possible.  The cry throughout the brotherhood is that we are losing a large percentage of young people, either to the world or to religious error.  Why?  Something is missing inside!  What is missing inside?  Could it be LOVE?  Love for God, love for truth, and love for Christ’s church that cost Him His blood? (Acts 20:28).

Those that become unfaithful will not say they are quitting because “love” is missing.  They will give all kinds of excuses such as:  “the church is not friendly,” “the preacher bores me,” “I need one day to rest from my job,” “there are too many hypocrites,” “my feelings were hurt,” and the list goes on.  Be assured that all these excuses will vanish if love is present!  One cannot deny that the human element in the church brings pressures to our lives!  However, love suffers long, is kind, does not parade itself, is not puffed up, does not behave rudely, and is not selfish. (1 Cor. 13:3-7).

Over the years, we have taught the importance of obeying commandments, and may God help us if we ever stop.  However, there is a danger that we have emphasized the commands, but have minimized love.  Remember, the motive for obedience MUST be love.  Jesus taught, If you love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15).  Paul taught that one could have enough faith to remove mountains, but without love, would be nothing (1 Cor. 13:2).  Jesus placed loving God and neighbor as the first and second great commandments of the law. (Matt. 22:37-40).  What is the solution?  What is the antidote to stop losing so many to the world?  The answer:  continue to teach the importance of obedience, but instill (through our teaching and preaching) the essentail ingredient – LOVE!      b.b. bristow

Submitted by Bobby Craig, Elder