“. . . Is it possible that our criteria for such decisions are out of line with the Lord’s? What if he wants our present church commitment to be a dominating priority, and we relegate it to a matter of small importance? Will this not make all ideas of guidance an empty delusion? Clearly, it is vital for us to know the ‘rating’ our existing church commitment should be given on our scale of priorities. This article will show that some of the other guidance factors are subservient to this . . .”
When loyalty is challenged
Although some people have failed in their loyalty to their church, countless others have proved the Lord in a marvellous way. The practice of loyalty to biblical priorities has brought them a series of wonderful provisions and blessings. Over the years we have heard often of accommodation being found, mortgages becoming unexpectedly available, employment needs being met, and a host of other provisions also. Sometimes it transpires that the Lord really is leading a believer to a new church ‘posting’, but often he provides so that they may stay where they are.
It may be that to remain in one’s church will entail a loss of employment status, or some other cost, and we should ask ourselves, ‘Am I ready for this?’ We should remind ourselves that the history of the church is full of the loyal sacrifices of the Lord’s people. Years ago, in time of war, men left their families to go and fight for their country, and many in fear and trembling performed heroic deeds. Many were cut down in their youth for the defence of the realm. But what cause could be more vital or glorious than that of the Lord of hosts, and the battle for everlasting souls? Yet we hear of believers who say, ‘I would never put my career prospects at risk. I must do whatever my company demands, and go wherever promotion or advancement dictates.’ The mighty grace of God brings new values and emotions into the life of a true convert, and we must take care not to lose these values as we go on in the Christian life. We must be all for Christ, and for his cause and his church.
It is good for us to keep in mind the fact that all believers at some time are likely to be subjected to the devil’s attempts to shift them from the church fellowship where God has placed them. There will be many difficulties and trials for all, and the more they seek to serve the Lord, the more they will encounter them. We all need great tenacity, and a deep sense of belonging to our church. Most believers who have been especially used by God for the building up of their fellowship have at some time been subjected to intense pressures to uproot and relocate elsewhere. Perhaps these trials were given so that they might prove the Lord’s provisions for them, and be all the more certain of their ‘posting’. Satan is constantly trying to spoil churches by taking believers out of the ‘element’ in which God has placed them. He is constantly tempting God’s people to seek greener pastures elsewhere.
What about those new-town young couples referred to at the beginning of this article, who walked out on an infant church so easily? Were they people of loyalty, commitment, sacrifice and courage? One wonders where they are now. Are they enjoying high academic or commercial positions? Are they well established in beautiful homes with fine cars parked in their driveways?
In seeking guidance, let us recognise that when the Lord sets us in a sound church, it is a divine appointment, and we must honour and respect that with all our strength. We are not free agents, and should never be moved by whims. When it is God’s time to move us elsewhere, we must be fully and sincerely satisfied that he is really directing and overruling.
This article has said nothing about special cases, such as students, or even ministers of the Gospel. The existence of a sound church for Christian service is a key factor in choosing a college, but a study course in another city does not come within the scope of a permanent move. Ministers may be called by God from one sphere of ministry to another. We acknowledge that there are many legitimate reasons for Christians to be on the move, and the Lord is frequently the author of our moves, but the responsibility of honouring primary biblical loyalties has been too widely ignored in these days of high ‘mobility’, to the great hurt of churches and individuals.