Anyone can find a problem. The world, and more specifically the Lord’s body here and everywhere else, could benefit tremendously from having fewer who find problems and offer nothing more. We all could profit from those who seek solutions.
Years ago I preached a sermon that I’m sure was designed by me to point out a problem the congregation was having. In my mind’s eye I see myself getting a worked up and all “preachery.” Afterward, one dear sister said the lesson was needed, but then she asked, “What can we do to fix this?” Her question has stayed with me through the years because I know deep down that I am one who can triumphantly find problems while offering little to nothing in solving them.
It’s difficult sometimes to find a solution to a problem. Here’s one: rather than complaining about attendance, say something to someone who is not making it a priority, and saying that needed thing in love —“speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love” (Eph. 4:15–16; also see Col. 4:6).
When it comes to attendance to Bible studies and worship, it is honestly discouraging (at worst) and disappointing (at the least) for brothers and sisters to willingly not show up.
A solution to this problem? “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt. 6:33). “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27). “If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed” (1 Cor. 16:22).
The truth is, there’s a heart problem with some, and one of the ways it shows is by a lack of attending as we should. Not attending shows it’s not a priority with you, and that there are times when you come before the Lord and your brethren (suffering from “I” trouble). Don’t go looking for exceptions, because you know better. Yes, there are exceptions, but too many are wanting the exception to somehow serve as the rule. “Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin” (James 4:17).
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries (Heb. 10:23–27).
When the Lord addressed the saints in Ephesus he charged them with abandoning the love they had at first, “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent (Rev. 2:4–5).
We desperately need godly grief (2 Cor. 7:9–11). And godly grief, which leads to repentance, begins with a humbled heart —“But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word” (Isa. 66:2; also see Matt. 5:3–4; Php. 2:12–13).
Again, finding problems is easy; anyone can do it. But being willing, open, and eager to find and implement a solution is tougher. It begins with an acknowledgement that something needs to change (cf. James 3:13–18), and then doing what we know we should. “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).
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