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 “Jobs
don’t have futures, people do”. I don’t know who said it,
but it is certainly a thought - provoking and sense-making
statement. The point is, success and failure lie mostly with the
individual and not so much with his kind of employment. Most of
us can think of those who have failed with golden opportunities
and the most favorable of circumstances — and of others who
have succeeded eminently where opportunity appeared meager. The
very job in which one makes outstanding achievement has been the
scapegoat for another’s failure. The difference is in the man.
The
difference is in the man in the spiritual realm too. It is not
unusual to hear of Christians blaming the “job” for some of
their own failures. For instance, when churches do not grow or
when the membership declines, it is because “the meeting—
place is in a poor location” or “insufficient parking space”.
While such things could be a contributing factor it may be well
to take an unbiased look at the “man” too (remembering that
circumstances are often blamed for man’s failures). Unless the
members are dedicated, hard-working, involved and zealous it is
not likely that another location or more parking space will
solve their problem. I fear that we may have placed too much
emphasis on such externals; even to the point depending on
them —and / or blaming them. Many small, financially burdened
churches have learned the hard way that a new and modern meeting
house is no guarantee of growth. “Dead” churches do need a
change, but it must come from within; with a renewal of mind
(Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:23).
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Others
blame the “job” by insisting that “no one will listen to
the gospel anymore”, so they don’t spread it. Sure enough,
they don’t convert anyone — and their premise is
proved?? The only thing worse than a world lost and dying in sin
is Christians who are Unconcerned about it. To too many
Christians the work of committing the gospel to others is just a
“job” without much of a future — failing to see themselves
as Christians without much of a future.
Absolutely
nothing can take the place of individual effort and initiative
by consecrated saints. The primary need is not for better “jobs”
but for better men to do the job God wants done here. There is
little profit in lamenting over what can’t be done, or over
what could be done “if we had more members”, “if we had a
full-time preacher”, “if we met in a better location”, or
“if we had a larger contribution”. IF we are not doing the
best we can with what we have where we are, then why do we need
anything more?
The
faithful are little affected by circumstances and situations
which “help” or hinder others. They always see the “fields
that are white Unto harvest”. They don’t succumb to the
problems, discouragements and obstacles that are bound to come wherever
they might be. They seek for opportunities, not excuses; for a
better self, not for a better “job”. They appreciate the
fact that God has furnished them “completely unto every good
work” (2 Tim. 3:17). Their only need is for like-minded
brethren to help do the job. Dan S. Shipley
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