By: Michael Smith
Jesus came bringing a message of deliverance to sinners in need of a Saviour. He was often reproved and rebuked by the Pharisees for his interaction with and love for others. Jesus said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32). Jesus was moved at the plight of people bound by the power of the devil and was moved with compassion at the needs of humanity. At the expense of his own comfort, he ministered to the hurting and the wounded.
There are times that congregations and saved people become too self-focused. Spiritual maintenance is very important and necessary in congregations, but let us always remember the primary message and burden of Christ. The Church needs to have a greater burden and love for lost souls that brings about an active missionary effort in reaching out to the sinner. When sinners come to the worship service of the saints, they should find the warm love of God emanating from our midst.
When people lose the primary message of Christ – a message of hope and love – the result is often bickering and devouring one another. It is much easier to be critical of other saved people. If you ever begin to get bogged down with the cares and worries of ‘church problems,’ remember our reason for being – to spread the simple message of salvation. This will help bring about a spiritual balance in our vision of the Church and it’s function. We can avoid many pitfalls and traps that the enemy has laid if we will get involved and occupied with our Father’s business.
May our burden ever be the burden of Christ.
