WHAT WE CARRY HOME
WHAT WE CARRY HOME
There is something encouraging about seeing brethren gather around an open Bible. We sing together, pray together, and listen as the Scriptures are taught. Such occasions can strengthen our faith, deepen our understanding, and renew our desire to serve the Lord. However, the influence of God's Word was never intended to be confined to the time we spend assembled. Much of its fruit is developed in the ordinary moments that follow.
Paul instructed the Christians at Colossae, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom" (Colossians 3:16). Notice that he did not merely encourage them to hear the Word occasionally. He wanted it to dwell within them. God's Word should have a lasting presence in our thoughts, influence our decisions, and guide our relationships.
Consider the example of the Bereans in Acts 17:11. Luke commended them because "they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Their interest in spiritual things extended beyond the occasion when they first heard the message. They continued examining the Scriptures for themselves.
That same spirit ought to characterize us.
Spiritual growth does not occur exclusively during worship services, Bible classes, or Gospel Meetings. It also takes place when a husband and wife choose patience instead of anger, when parents take time to teach their children about God, when a Christian quietly encourages someone who is struggling, or when an individual opens the Bible at home simply because he desires to know the Lord better.
These moments may never receive public recognition, but they matter tremendously.
Moses instructed Israel to keep God's words in their hearts and teach them diligently to their children, speaking of them throughout the ordinary routines of life (Deuteronomy 6:6–7). Although those instructions were given under the Law of Moses, they illustrate an enduring principle: spiritual instruction should influence what happens in our homes, not merely what happens during public assemblies.
Our spiritual development also involves helping one another. Hebrews 3:13 instructs Christians to "exhort one another daily, while it is called Today." Encouragement is not a responsibility reserved for preachers, Elders, or Bible class teachers. Every Christian has opportunities to strengthen someone else's faith.
Perhaps one of the most encouraging aspects of spiritual growth is that it does not require extraordinary circumstances. We do not have to wait for another special event, a different season of life, or a more convenient schedule to begin growing. We can begin today, wherever we are, with the opportunities God has already placed before us.
Paul prayed that the Colossians would be "fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Colossians 1:10). That is a beautiful description of the Christian life: continuing to learn, continuing to serve, and continuing to grow.
Our recent Gospel Meeting has concluded, but the opportunities to put God's Word into practice remain before us. May the lessons we have heard encourage us to pursue a deeper relationship with the Lord and a greater commitment to one another.
After all, the greatest evidence that we have benefited from hearing God's Word is found in the lives we live because of it.
~ Casey Clement