If we truly believe the old adage that "hindsight is better than foresight," then we will look back over the past year and review all our achievements and efforts. Did we accomplish what we set out to do? How many things are left undone that we intended to do? We need to reflect on questions such as these as a means of urging us on to more diligent service to the Lord in the future. Here are some areas we would to well to think about.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH. Do you feel that you know God better now than you did a year ago? Have you made progress away from the material and centered your thoughts and activities more on the spiritual? We need to test ourselves from time to time to see if we are progressing. May we all learn to "walk by the Spirit" (Rom. 8:5ff).

SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE. How much more do you know about God's word than you did a year ago? Would you get a better "grade" on a general Bible quiz now than then? Set some time to study daily; have a goal in your stud­ies - aim at something! Get some "Bi­ble helps" - dictionaries, concor­dances, etc. Ask a more knowledge­able person to help you.

PRAYER. This can become easy to neglect if we are not careful! Jesus taught the need to pray (Lk. 18:1). He himself was a great example. Learn to pray - not just say some words. Have a purpose in prayer; pray for some­thing specific - and see if God grants it! All of us have a "roaring lion" to face every day we live - and the best weapon you have of overcoming him is praver!

HOSPITALITY. Here is one of the true joys of Christianity. Of course there is more to "hospitality" than' merely entertaining folks in your home. But think about that aspect of it - how many folks did you have in your home this past year? Sure, we have our excuses - "tired, busy, don’t care for so-and-so," and the beat goes on, We need to do a little less of what makes us tired; let up on what keeps us so busy, and spend a little less time on things that do not really pay eternal dividends. Learn to visit with those folks that you "don't care for;" it may be that you wi11like them! Read pas­sages like Romans 12:13 and First Peter 4:9.

TEACHING OTHERS. Soul-winning is an intricate part of being a Christian. Solomon said, "... he that winneth souls is wise" (Pro. 11:30). Probably none of us have won as many souls to the Lord as we should have. But even more sad than that is, that many have not even tried! Talk to those that you meet about spiritual things. How much do they know about God? Do they know about Jesus and all that he is? What is their concept of the king­dom of God? Let us all determine to do better here in the coming year.

ATTENDANCE. Yes, I am aware that this is not all there is to Christianity. But - it is an excellent indicator or our spirituality! Has my attendance at the worship services been what it should this past year? If it was not as it should be, have you ever stopped to . ask, "what caused that? why not?" Is it because of decisions we have deliber­ately made? How many times we make decisions as to what we want and then say: "Oh, it won't affect my attendance"- and the first thing you know, it has! We often put ourselves in circumstances, simply because of our desires, that hinder us serving God in this area as we ought. Why should we think we are so much stronger than others who have said the same things ­and almost always, faithful attendance suffers.

Let us all think on these things, lest we fall. None are exempt from these dangers. What do you want more than anything else? I'll tell you what I want - I want to go to heaven! - and I can't do it if I am lax and negligent in spiritual matters. - Bill Moseley

 

 

 

The fellow kept pestering the preacher to help him be of genuine service to the Lord. Finally, he was given ten names and was told, "these folks are negligent in their Christian duties. Do what you can to get them going."

Soon the preacher received a letter from a wayward member, along with a check for $1,000.00. The letter said, "enclosed is my check for $1,000.00 to make up for my missed contribu­tions. I'm sorry for missing worship so much, but be assured that I will be present this coming Lord's day and every Lord's day thereafter. I will not by choice miss worship again. Sincerely, Henry Jones." P. S. Will you please tell your secre­tary that there is only one "t" in dirty, and no "c" in skunk?"

Well, yes... we should contact people that are negligent and try and get them to be more faithful. Although I do not recommend the methods used by the subject of the story, there is still a time to be plain, with kindness, to folks. Sometimes that's all that people will understand. And so when that is the case, by all means - be plain but kind to them! - Bill Moseley