Growth Is Impressive!
Oh, how we love to see growth! Contrasted to the cold, snow-whitened landscapes outside, what a positive statement is made by a green-flowering-something blooming in our window!
Living, growing plants certainly draw attention. Plants that have been growing for a long time also draw attention. An ancient, huge oak tree catches our eyes more than a six-inch sapling that is just pushing out of the ground!
Similarly, a small church can hardly “bat the eye” of the passing crowd, but—Oh!—the attention a huge, 5,000-member church can draw! Big things are impressive; they must be accommodated, like a curving sidewalk that circumvents a large tree in its path! Similarly, society will accommodate large church groups. (—not necessarily a bad thing!)
God does not see as man sees. Big things don’t necessarily command Jehovah’s attention more than little things. Unlike man, God is not so busy that He cannot be concerned about “little things.” I do not know how our Father can be so attentive, but I know that He is.
How comforting are the words David was inspired to write, about his Father in Heaven! “But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God.” (Psa. 40:17) Unlike man, power and wealth do not necessarily command God’s attention.
God searches the heart of man (I Sam 16: 7). He looks for truth in one’s “inward parts” (Psa. 51:6). Truth may be held by a minority of a society, and it usually is. Few seem to seek truth for their lives, and they will be lost (Mtt. 7:14). Even though truth may be a “minority position,” God still maintains His place of honor; He will not be out-voted! (Rom. 3:4)
Large church assemblies do not “grow overnight.” They have taken years and years to get to the size they are. Mankind is impressed by the size of such large organizations. Is God?
God looks for truth at the core of anything. Was the large group fed the Word of God, or some mixture of human opinion?
Black nightshade is a huge plant, which bears poisonous black berries. It can grow four feet tall. It’s an impressive plant, but farmers and gardeners get rid of them. God will do the same to churches founded on falsehood. (Mtt. 13:24 – 30)
Feed your soul on the Word of God, and GROW!
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