From the Elder's Pen "Top Ten Rules For Improving The Church" 10/12/03 Past/Future Articles

1. Tell yourself over and over that since you are not perfect, you would not fit into a perfect congregation.

2. Pick out the sincere, dedicated, spiritual members and thank God for them.

3. If you are old, treat the young with the consideration you desired as a young person.  If you are young, treat adults with the respect you will want when you mature.

4. When you are tempted to criticize others, be sure to pray earnestly for them, but it will do wonders for your attitude.

5. When you see a work being neglected, instead of being critical, offer to help.

6. Never, never blame others for your own failures.  Every individual can be fruitful in spite of bad examples and discouraging attitudes of others, if he or she is determined to be.

7. Remind yourself every day that the only way you can improve the world or the church is to begin with yourself.

8. Consciously look for the good qualities in every brother and sister in Christ.  When you think of a brother or sister, make a quick mental note of the good points each possesses.

9. Constantly strive to increase your circle of associates in the church.

10. Every church has problems.  Ask yourself, “Am I part of the problem or part of the solution?”