by Terry Neven – As Presbyterians, specifically those of us who identify with being redeemed by the blood of Christ, the New Covenant doesn’t give us the luxury of doing whatever we want. Just because certain things seem to yield favorable results, does not mean the Lord is pleased with our involvement in them. We must be vigilant to obey the Lord, guide our heart and life to conform to His Word, and make sure we are interpreting scripture with scripture, not by our personal experiences or pet social philosophies.
The spiritual strength of a local church is not measured solely by the connectedness of its loving members, one to another, or its wonderful programs, rather by the spiritual maturity of the individual believers in the church and its ability to remain focused on its mission. In part, spiritual maturity comes as the result of
1.) teaching God’s Word without personal biases or political and social concerns or agendas
2.) maintaining the mission and goal of leading the church at large, and its members, into a deeper relationship with Christ
3.) encouraging individuals to “work out their own salvation with fear and trembling,”
4.) and to display its faith through “good works.”
Spiritual maturity in a church can be hindered in many ways. As examples, by accepting and encouraging behavior which is contrary to Biblical principles, or by overlooking inappropriateness to avoid hurting someone’s feeling.
The work of the Holy Spirit in a church will create spiritual growth in its members and begin to attract others to the message of Christ’s love and salvation.
Let’s be light and salt to those around us that we might reach some for Christ. -Terry