Early one morning, I found myself thanking the Lord that I live in a land that is filled with churches. Then I thought of the possibility of all of these places of worship coming alive with members giving priority to serving God and carrying the message of Christ and His love to the world. Talk about an earthquake!
Such an awakening would shake society and get our nation back on the course intended by those who first came here to worship God and establish a nation founded on principles of righteousness.
Barriers between family members would be broken down. Marriages would be strengthened and homes would become places of peace and love. Fairness would come to the workplace. Crime would diminish. The drug plague would end. Immorality would be checked.
Some turnaround! But one to be expected in a time of genuine spiritual awakening. Solomon wrote, “Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).
What would it take to awaken the churches? We would have to conquer the “spectator syndrome.”
The Christian life described in the Bible is both abundant and active; it is disciplined and dynamic. A look at the first century church reveals an involved and active group of believers. Even in persecution, they were about their Lord’s work.
Actually, the church has often thrived under persecution while becoming lazy and ineffective during times of prosperity. Perhaps this is because real faith is revealed under pressure. Those who are genuine get involved and it affects the whole community. The early Christians were known as those who turned the world upside down. We could use some of that kind of action today … and it must begin with individuals … maybe even you.
God may be calling upon you to be the pacesetter in your church. If you think you are too busy for such involvement, remember that historically God has chosen busy people to serve Him. Moses was tending sheep when called to deliver Israel from bondage. David was caring for his father’s flocks when he was anointed to become king. Peter was fishing when he responded to the Lord’s call, and fishing had been his daily work.
In today’s average church, the members sit and listen while the pastor does the ministering and most of the action takes place one or two days a week. You can change that in your church by setting a new example.
Begin where you are and with what you have.
Visit someone who is sick or discouraged and pray for that person. Take food to a needy person. Volunteer to teach a Sunday School class. Distribute tracts that carry a clear message in your neighborhood. Start a prayer group. Invite the youth of your church to your home for one of their meetings.
Shock your pastor by telling him you want to be totally involved in bringing a true revival to your church. You may be the key person to begin the awakening that is so desperately needed in the churches of America.
Stop being a spectator. Get involved … today.
Roger Campbell was an author, a broadcaster and columnist who was a pastor for 22 years. Contact us at rcministry@ameritech.net.
