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“The Importance of Becoming a Member”
The Importance of Becoming a Member
Wade Webster
For the last several weeks we have been discussing some things that we have learned or can learn about worship from the gym. I am convinced that in just a short time, we will all be in better shape spiritually. In the first lesson, we noticed that we usually feel better after we go to the gym/worship. In the second lesson, we noticed that going to the gym/worship helps us to make better choices. In the third lesson, we noticed that going to the gym/worship needs to be about growth and not about comparison. In the fourth lesson, we noticed that the gym/worship meets a number of needs. In the fifth lesson, we noticed the need to avoid clanging. In the sixth lesson, we saw that two are better than one. In the seventh lesson, we saw that there are a number of tests that will show whether or not the gym/worship are working. In the eighth lesson, we saw the importance of not skipping any part of working out or worship. In this lesson, we will focus on the importance of membership.
One of the first things that people think of when they think of the gym is membership. Although a gym might let a person visit a time or two to decide if they want to be a member, they will not let them do so indefinitely. For one thing, the gym would not survive very long without requiring membership. Gyms need members who attend regularly and contribute financially. An empty parking lot would not entice or produce new members. Empty coffers would not keep the doors open or the lights on. For another thing, it would not be fair to require membership of one person, but not of another. Next, it would discourage commitment. People who are not invested tend to drift and disappear. There is nothing to anchor or keep them attending. Finally, gym membership is about authority and accountability. When a person becomes a member, they agree to submit to the rules of the gym.
When we think of the church, we also think of membership. As you know, the church is described as a body that is made up of many members (Eph. 1:22-23; Rom. 12:4-5). Sadly, many today want all the privileges of membership without any of the responsibilities. They want to float in and out as the mood strikes them and throw a few dollars into the plate. The local congregation can’t count on their attendance (Heb. 10:25) or their contribution (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:7). They are not invested in the local congregation and feel no duty to it. This concept is foreign to the New Testament. God wants each congregation to have elders that oversee it (Tit. 1:5) and He wants each Christian to submit to those elders and to obey them (Heb. 13:17). Certain Christians were connected with certain congregations in New Testament times (Rom. 16:3-5; 1 Cor. 16:15; Col. 4:15; Phile. 1:1-2). If you are floating between churches, it is time for you to place membership. It is time for you to settle down for worship and work. It is time for you to let the elders and members know that they can count on you.
As we get ready to worship this week let’s focus on the blessings and the responsibilities of membership. People need to know that they can count on us.
