Traffic in the Church

The Body of Christ is made up of individuals much like cars on the highway.

“For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” Romans 12:4-5

Each car is moving at a different speed, to different locations to accomplish different objectives.  If there is no common set of rules of the road and someone to enforce them it would be, and sometimes is, complete chaos.  Such is the intersection of our neighborhood and highway 74/76 in Leland.  Every morning people are speeding, changing lanes, and cutting others off as they attempt to arrive at their destination a few minutes early.  We have seen many accidents and some people are hurt because of this.  The Body of Christ can be like the traffic on the highway with each member seeking their way and following their own desires.  In such a case we have chaos and division among the LORD’s people.

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;” Romans 12:10

Such division in the LORD’s family is not a good testimony to the world and causes the church of God to become spiritually dysfunctional and ineffective in its Kingdom calling.

“I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men? 1 Corinthians 3:2-3

As to our example on the highway, Praise the LORD, for the state highway department is placing a series of red lights at the intersection to help direct and control the traffic.  People will slow down, pay attention and be more considerate, allowing traffic to flow smoothly and effectively.  Everyone knows the rules of the road, we have been taught, now we have a reminder to observe and obey them.

Now back to the Body of Christ.  Without any instruction and guide we would all be doing our own thing in our own way, determining what is right according to our desires and not the LORD’s.  But praise the LORD, He has not left us without His word of revelation and instruction.  He has taught us and we must listen and obey the rules of the Kingdom.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

But Jesus is gracious and knows that we will falter in our obedience.  So once again, praise the LORD for He has also given us a guide.  Just like the red lights, if we will pay attention, the Holy Spirit directs traffic among the members of the Body of Christ.

“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you.” John 16:13-15

“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you.” John 16:13-15

By listening and following His direction the body becomes spiritually functional and effective in its Kingdom work.

We are able to become good stewards of what the LORD has left us responsible for and the resources He has provided.

“Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” 1 Corinthians 4:1

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10

“Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation,” 2 Corinthians 5:18

So, let’s listen, learn and obey the Word of God and His Holy Spirit and become all He desires us to be while we accomplish all He desires of us.  Serve well and be blessed.

“Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes.” Luke 12:43

Because Jesus loves us,

Bro. Hugh Folds

Matthew 6:33