Online Articles
Noticing Our Needs
Need is a fact of life. It’s always present in some way or the other. No matter the time in life, no matter the situation, there is always some need nearby. Both before and after the battle, there is need; whether in victory or defeat, there is need. And whatever the need, it calls out for satisfaction.
Because there is the ever-present existence of sin in the world, our needs in that regard never go away. Our needs are personal, directly related to our own weaknesses, personality development, individual maturity, background, experience, pre-dispositions, personal weaknesses, as well as a host of other things.
There are needs in the congregations of the Lord’s people, too. We’re never freed from the needs of spiritual improvements no matter how good the congregation, how strong the Elders, how effective the preaching and teaching.
I have chosen a few personal needs which, if implemented, will be of benefit to any local church.
Sensitive Hearts. A sensitive heart is a responsive heart, a heart that is accepting to sense impressions. Oh, how we need people with hearts that are pliable, hearts that are tender and compassionate while at the same time are strong and determined. The Scriptures affirm that need. We are told that the “word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword,” and that it is a “discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12), but please be advised that its penetrating ability is wholly at the disposal of the hearer. A sensitive heart is so because its possessor has decided for it to be so. A person has to will to hear, decide to listen. Only then will he be disposed to allow the word free course in his life. The word will work on the heart that will be impressed by it. Seed sown into sensitive soil will always produce great good.
Zealous involvement. It may well be that this particular need is redundantly stated here, for it is not likely that zeal will be present without involvement, nor will involvement be present without zeal. Zeal is fuel. It’s what makes a cause go. It’s really caring about a goal or project–so much so that it almost demands participation. Involvement has to do with engaging yourself in some matter or project. I’ve never known of a congregation of the Lord’s people where there is not the need for greater participation, greater involvement. The Lord’s work is a cause. It requires not only people’s agreement, but their involvement as well. There is work to do. And the very nature of the work to be done demands that kind of enthusiasm which is common to all successful projects– simple hard work. It’s almost embarrassing to note how many Christians are more on-lookers than participants. The world gets in the way if we don’t stay involved in the higher matters.. If we’re not careful we can have a first rate dedication to a second rate cause. And that’s foolish!
Time management. That’s almost a trite expression nowadays. But no matter the project–great or small–time management is involved. The Scriptures speak of our “buying up the opportunities,” or “redeeming the time” (Eph. 5:1; Col. 4:5). Such an admonition is necessary because of our seeming proclivity for procrastination. I don’t think I ever knew anybody who intentionally plotted his own course to hell, but the Latin note, facile desensus Averne, which says, “the descent to hell is easy,” is absolutely so. No effort it required when a thing is put off until tomorrow. The only problem is: we have no assurance of tomorrow. I must learn to manage my time so that I develop a proper balance between responsibility and achievement. Ah, but how easy it is to put it off.
Love. The great of all needs is love. Love works no ill to any one, brings no harm to anyone, is never hurtful to any situation. It enhances any relationship. It promotes a happy marriage, creates in it a warm and happy home life. It makes lasting friendships. It encourages a happy ending between us and what were our enemies when it is properly used. It is respectful and kind, honest and caring. It is gentle in rebuke, ready to forgive. It is our need among needs.
We need sensitive hearts so that we become more and more impressed with the word of God. We need involvement so as to get the job done. We need time management so that we don’t flounder on our way to accomplishment. And we need love to bind it all together.
