"Therefore we ought to give the more
earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time
we should let them slip" (Hebrews 2:1). "Therefore we ought to give the more
earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time
we should let them slip" (Hebrews 2:1).
We wish to emphasize the word "we"
as we stress the individual responsibility to pay attention to
and obey that which is written on the pages of inspiration. Just
to whom might the "we" refer? May I offer a few
groups who ought to give heed and then suggest that you add to
the list since my space is limited.
We Preachers need to take heed.
The apostle Paul used that exact word as he wrote to the young
evangelist Timothy, "Take heed unto thyself, and unto
the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt save
thyself, and them that hear thee" (1 Timothy 4:16). Those
who preach have an awesome duty to be certain of what they
preach and when to preach it (2 Timothy 4:2). The apostle
Peter also stressed the absolute necessity of speaking "as
the oracles of God" (1 Peter 4:11). One who preaches must
preach only what God reveals in His word. Preachers ought to believe
what they preach and practice what they believe. Though we would
like to deny it, we must admit that much of the division in the
religious world and in the church of our Lord stems from preachers
who fail to give heed to what God's word teaches. It is
worthy to note that our text emphasizes give "earnest"
heed to what we learn, not just a passing glance as if it matters
not.
We Elders are commanded to take heed
to themselves, and to those under their care (Acts 20:28). A man
might very well have the qualifications given in 1 Timothy 3,
Titus 1, and 1 Peter 5 but still fall short by not being as watchful
as one must be when given the responsibility of overseeing God's
people. As one who has served the church in that capacity, I know
how difficult and burdensome the task can be. However, if one
is not willing to take "heed" to himself and to the
flock he shepherds, he ought not accept the role in the first
place. One must understand that this is included in desiring
the good work (1 Timothy 3:1).
We Deacons must take heed. I fear
that many who occupy this position fail to understand how important
their work is. Too many of us fail to give proper respect to those
who so serve. The qualifications are very specific (1 Timothy
3:8-13). In many instances, only a heart beat exists between one
being a deacon and becoming an elder. Both elders and deacons
must both prove themselves before assuming the work. A congregation
does no one a favor by simply appointing "the best that we
have." If one has not heeded what God's word teaches,
one is not properly prepared to lead the flock or to serve the
elders and the congregation. When servants were needed in the
early church to care for a problem that arose, the apostles gave
precise qualifications to look for in selecting men to care for
that problem (Acts 6:1-7).
As I suggested in the first paragraph, this taking
"heed" applies to one and all who would desire to please
God. I hope that you will continue to add to that which I have
merely touched. Include husbands, wives, parents, and children.
Every Christian is included in the text. Sinners must also give
heed. We must all study to show ourselves approved unto God (2
Timothy 2:15). The health of the church, the family, and our nation
depends on our love for the truth found in God's word. 211 Forest
St., PO Box 273, LaGrange, OH 44050.