TRANSPORTATION:Those who need transportation can call.... Frankie Sargent at 572-2647
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Parachute Mentality
by Tom Wacaster
Having never worn a parachute, and fortunately never having needed one, I don't know if I can appreciate what a paratrooper goes through in the exercise of his basic skills as a skydiver. While serving in the Coast Guard in Corpus Christi, it was my privilege to work in the field of aviation search and rescue. Those of us who went on search and rescue missions were never issued a parachute, never trained in the use of them, and seldom had one on board when we went out on search and rescue missions. I was told on one occasion that there were always a couple on board, but they were stored under the seats of the pilot and co-pilot (hmmm). I once asked one of my fellow workers if he felt a little uncomfortable flying several hundred miles out into the Gulf of Mexico not having a parachute. He answered in the negative, and then explained that the parachute was bulky, uncomfortable to wear, and interfered with movement around the plane. And, since it was not required that crew members wear the parachute seldom if ever would you find someone with one strapped to his back. I once read (some years after my discharge from the military) of a sign that hung over the door of a parachute preparation room which read, "If you ever need it, and don't have it, you ain't ever gonna need it again." In time of need it might be great to have one close by, but, hey, who needs it now? Until and unless an emergency arises, we'll just leave it stored under the seat. That, my friends, is what I mean by "parachute mentality." Do you suppose some members of the Lord's church have a "parachute mentality"? Think with me on this.
In every congregation there are a small number of Christians who are barely hanging on. There is little, if any, involvement in the work of the church. To them, AM worship is all that is required, and that only if something else does not interfere. Sunday morning Bible classes, Sunday evening worship, and Wednesday night are purely optional, and that only for the fanatical, right-wing fringe (which they want to avoid at all costs). Asked if Jesus were important they would answer in the affirmative. But if the truth were known, their definition of "important" is quite different than what God considers "important." The faithful, humble, serving child of God realizes that when he was baptized into Christ he "put on Christ" (Gal. 3:27). But that child of God with a "parachute mentality" perceives of Christ as bulky, uncomfortable to wear, and an interference to his free-moving life style that places a premium on business, pleasure, and self gratification. Jesus is stored under the pew at the local church building, ready to grab and strap to the back in time of emergency. But to wear it on a daily basis? Forget it! Sometimes I think we ought to hang a sign over the exit door on our buildings similar to the one referred to above. That sign might read something like this: "If you ever need Him, and don't have Him, you ain't never gonna need Him again." The Christian with the "parachute mentality" makes at least two fatal blunders. First, he thinks that Jesus is something you put on and off depending on your need. But you know as well as I do that Christianity is a daily walk. I read somewhere that Jesus said, "take up your cross daily...." Second, he thinks that God can be ignored and spurned when things are going well, and then immediately come to the rescue when things turn sour. If I read my Bible clearly it does not work that way. Dearly beloved, God wants your humble obedience and submission every second, of every minute, of every hour, of every day of the year. It isn't that He needs you; it is that YOU need HIM! To think otherwise is to possess a "parachute mentality."
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Evaluating Your Commitment-Part II
by Kevin D. Beard
(Last week we printed the first part of brother Beard's article which provided the portion of the questionnaire evaluating one's commitment in the areas of prayer, Bible study, and giving. Today's portion concludes his excellent article).
Worship
1. How often do you attend regular worship service and Bible classes?
__ Every time.
__ Only on Sunday morning.
__ I don't attend regularly.
2. How often do you attend other events, like Gospel meetings, VBS, etc.?
__ Every time.
__ I might come to some of them.
__ Seldom, if ever.
3. Why do you attend?
__ Because I love the Lord, and I love my brothers and sisters in Christ.
__ Because of family tradition.
__ Because God says I have to.
__ Because someone expects me to.
4. Which of these best describes you during the worship assembly?
__ I concentrate on and participate in everything that is said and done.
__ I go through the motions without much thought.
__ I sit quietly, waiting for time to go home.
5. If you had another appointment on Sunday, before the worship assembly ended, which would you be more likely to do?
__ Stay for the entire service and be late for the other appointment.
__ Leave after the Lord's Supper was served to be on time for the other appointment.
__ Skip the worship assembly altogether.
Service
1. In relation to the worship assemblies, how would you describe your service to the Lord?
__ I do many things for the Lord in addition to attending worship services.
__ Attending worship service is just about all I do.
__ I don't even attend worship services regularly.
2. How would you describe your attitude toward service?
__ I try to do as much as I can.
__ I try to do as little as I can.
__ I don't try to do anything.
3. How do you approach opportunities to try new areas of service?
__ I'm willing to give it a try.
__ I'm not comfortable trying anything new.
__ I leave those things to others.
4. If someone brings up the Bible in conversation, which are you more likely to do?
__ Gladly discuss the issue with them.
__ Try to prove them wrong.
__ Change the subject.
If you chose the first options in most of these questions, you probably have a close relationship with the Lord. Prayer is a regular part of your life, as it ought to be for the one who is committed to serving the Lord. You see the need to feed on God's word and gladly take every opportunity to do so. Giving is a privilege to you and you give gladly because you love the Lord and understand how much He has given you. You love to worship God alongside fellow Christians, and count every opportunity to worship a blessing. You look for as many ways as possible to serve your Lord.
If you chose the second option on most of these questions, you ought to reevaluate your priorities. You probably depend too much on yourself and put yourself before the Lord. Though you have an outward display of Christianity, you do not consider it to be the most important pursuit in your life. You may be similar in attitude to the Laodiceans: lukewarm.
If you chose the third option in most of these questions, you need to make some serious changes. Nothing is more important than the salvation of your soul. The only way you can be saved is by following Jesus according to His will. If you do not put Him first in your life, you will not be saved.
This list of questions is not intended to be any kind of test of faithfulness, or fellowship, or anything like that. It is merely something to encourage every Christian to stop and evaluate himself. Paul said, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves" (2 Cor. 13:5), so this is a Scriptural idea. The only way we can do a worthwhile self-examination is to look at our actions and attitudes. The Bible teaches us how we ought to live and what kinds of things the Lord expects of us. We need to make sure we have the level of commitment to His cause that He would approve.
(Brother Beard labors with the Lord's church in Fayette, AL)
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Family News and Notes
Men, don't forget the Men's Business Meeting following services tonite.
Each one of you is encouraged to advise Rhodney Freeman when you have new news or an update on someone. This way we can maintain "up-to-date" news on those we care about.
--Thanks --Rhodney
On the table in the foyer is a list of PANTRY ITEMS. If you are willing and able to assist in replenishing those items that show to be low.please take a copy of the list to assist you in making your choices.
We received a letter from Joey Davis (whom we are supporting at Memphis School of Preaching). A copy of his letter is on the round table in the foyer. If you have time, please stop by and read it. The elders have talked with Joey, expressing appreciation for his good grades, etc. He wanted the congregation to know how much they appreciate our support.
Justin Barker had an MRI here at Titus Regional Medical Center last week. He is undergoing tests and diagnosis to determine what type treatment he should receive for his problems.
Christelle Cato, ( Bill Jones' cousin) who is a member of the Talco church of Christ, and worships with us from time to time, is in Titus Regional Medical Center with complications from pneumonia. She is improving. She is in Room 423.
Narci Cooper remains in ICU at Titus Regional Medical Center. She is improving but has her peaks and valleys in the way she feels. She is being treated with medication for an infection following her surgery.
Lewis Robertson did not have his scheduled gall bladder surgery. He is scheduled to see a Urologist Monday and then further examination and consultation to determine what all his problems are and what action to take.
Ola Mae Simpson fell last week and injured her foot. It was determined she did not break it but she continues to take it easy at home.
The following folks have been sick at home this past week. We need to remember them.
Hollis Lee William & Patsy Embree
Zenith Hargrove Billy Carter
Barbara Duncan R.C. Grissom
PRAYER LIST:
Delores Adams, Justin Barker, Billy Carter, Suzanne Charlton, Narci Cooper, Perry Cooper, Jerry Freeman, Zeneth Hargrove, Howard Horton, Wade Miller, Meryl Riley, Lewis Robertson, Murphy Ross, Ola Mae Simpson
If you chose the first options in most of these questions, you probably have a close relationship with the Lord. Prayer is a regular part of your life, as it ought to be for the one who is committed to serving the Lord. You see the need to feed on God's word and gladly take every opportunity to do so. Giving is a privilege to you and you give gladly because you love the Lord and understand how much He has given you. You love to worship God alongside fellow Christians, and count every opportunity to worship a blessing. You look for as many ways as possible to serve your Lord.
