A Few Caring People


Denver L. Thomas


“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world, for, indeed, that’s all who ever have.” I found the above quote by Margaret Mead, and I believe many of us could very well benefit by its thought. It has been suggested that ninety percent of the Lord’s work is done by ten percent of its membership. While that could very well be true, one must still wonder why there are not more people actively engaged in the Lord’s work. Surely, there is something for everyone to do!


When Paul described the physical body in 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 (See Romans 12:3ff), he was demonstrating how each member of our physical body has a unique function and cannot replace or preempt another member and its function. Every part has its duty to perform, and the body can operate properly only when all parts are performing their duties. Then, in verses 27ff, he compares our physical body to the church and again demonstrates the diversity of roles to be performed by each member. Surely, the church would be much stronger and more responsive in its mission if more members chose to bear their share of the load. There is something every member could and should be doing. We often sing the song, “To The Work,” but do we really do as the words suggest?


There are many areas where a shortage exists in the work of the Lord. Spreading the Gospel is the first to come to mind. When Jesus said in Mark 16:15, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,” surely He meant that to be an ongoing command. Within a very short distance of each of us, there are those who most likely have never heard a real Gospel sermon! Why can we so ably produce rocket scientists who can send men into space and bring them back safely but not preachers and teachers who can and will take the Word next door, down the street, or across town? With today’s technology, there are numerous ways to spread the good news without even leaving home. To their credit, there are a few who are doing just that. Why not more?


A second area has to do with church leadership. Paul is known to have traveled widely and to have established numerous congregations, but he left them in the hands of elders (Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5, et. al). Elders have the responsibility of feeding the flock (1 Peter 5:1ff). Without elders, congregations often lack direction and become weak, and some even cease to exist. In the absence of elders, individuals who may or may not have the best interest of the church at heart often make decisions affecting the congregation. Why can we not have men who are willing and able to assume the roles of elders and deacons?


Another area so much neglected has to do with the caring for the needs of those about us. It is easy to turn our backs on the needs of others. We may even judge them unfairly, possibly blaming them for their poverty. Sadly, some congregations are simply unwilling to reach out to non-Christian people. God blesses each of us richly day by day, and we should be willing to share with those in need. James asks us in James 2:14-16, “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?” By helping with physical needs, we may have opportunity to help with their spiritual needs as well.


There is a saying, “There is strength in numbers,” and we can see it in practice in parades, in demonstrations, etc., so why are we not greater in number when it comes down to the work of the Lord? Why are more members not willing to share in the mission of the church? Sadly, one day many may find it as Jesus described in Matthew 25:41ff. –PO Box 821, Milton, WV 25541.


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