Another harmful practice that we can add to the list, and one that has seriously damaged the Lord’s church, is the problem of “pew-warming Christians.” What does this expression mean? The idea behind it describes church members who merely attend the worship services but have little or no active involvement in the work of the Lord. By the work of the Lord, we refer to responsibilities such as personal evangelism, teaching Bible classes to various age groups, preparing or purchasing food for church fellowship meals, helping with cleanup after congregational events, assisting with decorations for special occasions, participating in worship services, welcoming visitors, promoting church activities through social media, offering assistance to elders and deacons, visiting the sick, encouraging the discouraged, helping new converts grow spiritually, and many other opportunities for service. This list covers only some of the many ways Christians can actively contribute to the Lord’s work.
Sadly, many church members are content with simply attending the services and then returning home without further involvement. Others do not even attend regularly and, when they do, their only contribution is occupying a seat. Some attend faithfully but spend their time criticizing the congregation rather than encouraging it. Brethren, this should not be the case.
Faithful members of the Lord’s church should attend the worship services regularly (Hebrews 10:25; Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:1-4). However, our service to God extends far beyond merely being present. Christianity was never intended to be a spectator religion. Every Christian has been called to serve, to grow, and to contribute to the spiritual welfare of the congregation. The New Testament teaches that every member has a function within the body of Christ (Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Just as every part of the human body has a purpose, every Christian has abilities and opportunities that can be used for the glory of God.
The Christians of the first century sought to be useful both inside and outside the worship assembly. Their dedication was extraordinary, resulting in spiritual and numerical growth to the glory of God. This is exactly what we observe throughout the book of Acts. We see Christians teaching others (Acts 8:4), encouraging fellow believers (Acts 11:22-24), caring for those in need (Acts 2:44-47), and laboring together to spread the gospel throughout the world (Acts 17:6). The early church was composed of active workers, not passive observers.
One of the greatest dangers of becoming a pew-warmer is spiritual stagnation. A Christian who does not serve often ceases to grow. God expects His people to mature spiritually and to bear fruit in His kingdom. Jesus taught, “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit” (John 15:8). When Christians fail to engage in the Lord’s work, they deprive themselves of opportunities to grow, encourage others, and glorify God.
Furthermore, the Scriptures repeatedly condemn spiritual laziness. The servant who buried his talent instead of using it was rebuked by his master (Matthew 25:24-30). The church needs workers who are willing to dedicate their time, talents, and resources to the cause of Christ. The apostle Paul exhorted Christians to be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Notice that Paul did not encourage occasional involvement but continual dedication to the Lord’s work.
What can Christians do to avoid falling into the error of merely warming a pew in the Lord’s church? Consider the following:
- Cultivate a deep love for God (Mark 12:30). Genuine love for God will motivate active service and faithful obedience.
- Remember that God desires continual growth in His work (1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Peter 3:18).
- Keep in mind that idleness in the Lord’s work does not produce fruit for God’s glory (2 Peter 1:5-11; Titus 3:14).
- Remember that a lack of spiritual growth can hinder one’s entrance into heaven (2 Peter 1:10-11; 2 Timothy 4:7-8).
- Cultivate a deep love for the Lord’s church, remembering that Christ died for her (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25).
- Discover and develop your God-given abilities so they may be used in service to others (1 Peter 4:10-11).
- Make it a goal to encourage at least one person each week (Hebrews 3:13; 10:24-25).
- Become actively involved in evangelism and sharing the gospel with others (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 8:4).
- Pray regularly for opportunities to serve and for the wisdom to recognize them (Colossians 4:2-6).
- Remember that one day we will all give an account of our stewardship before God (Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
God does not want Christians who merely warm pews. He desires faithful servants who glorify His name through lives of dedication, service, and spiritual growth. The church is strongest when every member is actively engaged in the Lord’s work. Therefore, let us strive each day to give God our very best, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). May we never be content with simply occupying a seat when God has called us to occupy a place of service in His kingdom.
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