Most who read this have been exposed to enough truth to know that the focus of our attention should be on spiritual things first, with material considerations taking a subordinate role. The Apostle Paul told us to "seek those things which are above," setting our affection on heavenly things and not on things on the earth (Col. 3:1-2). In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness. . ." (Matt. 6:33).

If we are serving the Lord, implementation of the above instructions will be the primary purpose as we live day by day. This means that every Christian must directly involve himself in that which is spiritual. However, before one can get involved, he must learn the areas of involvement set forth by the Word of God. If he does not know what to do, there is no way that he can do it. A part of the work of the church is the edification of Christians which enables them to apply their efforts in the accomplishment of the overall mission of the kingdom of the Lord (Eph. 4:16). Over the years, I have observed that fewer and fewer Christians have been sufficiently edified to enable them to identify spiritual activities in which to engage themselves. Thus, it is not unusual to hear some Christian say, "I don't know what I can do." Our purpose in this brief article is to identify some specific activities in which Christians can involve themselves. Let me credit some of the ideas of this article to some things I read in the Caprock Church Bulletin, Lubbock, Texas.

What can a Christian do? He can spend some time studying the Word of God every day (2 Tim. 3:16-17). God's Word will enlighten so that we can see others things which we need to do. I am persuaded that the Christian who cannot find anything to do is a Christian who is not studying as he should.

Every day you can pray to God (1 Thess. 5:17). In that prayer you can penitently seek forgiveness of your sins; you can ask God to bless your family; you can pray for the sick, both spiritually and physically; you can pray for civil authorities; for those who mourn; and for the spread of the gospel. Prayers of righteous men accomplish much good (Jas. 5:16).

You can be conscious of the fact that you are an example to someone. With this clearly in your mind, you can be careful to let the "light" of your example shine brightly so that those who learn by what you do, will always do what is right (Matt. 5:16).

If you still can't find anything to do, you could invite a friend to attend the worship of the church with you. During that worship he would hear the gospel which would save his soul. Everyone needs the gospel, for it is God's power to save (Rom. 1: 16). During the life of Christ on the earth, one of the things we learn about the gathering of disciples to Him was that those who came brought their relatives and friends to the Lord also (Jn. 1:40-49).

You can give generously into the treasury of the Lord's church (1 Cor. 16:1-2). In the discharge of the church's duty, money is essential. Not only must the local work be done, but the entire world is to hear the gospel (Mk. 16:15), and the church is the organization responsible for seeing that it is preached (1 Tim. 3:15). You can become actively involved by personally instructing the lost with the Truth. Or, you can give someone a good tract on Bible themes. Or, you can give them a bulletin which is appropriate for their needs. These things cost money. Or, you can enable the support of preachers in distant places. When you give into the Lord's treasury, you are aiding the spread of the gospel, and that is spiritual in its nature, not physical.

If you still can't find anything to do, a great spiritual purpose is accomplished when you take the time to visit those who are sick and/or confined because of failing health (Matt. 25:31-46). In that passage, Jesus said that we are serving Him when we are attending to the needs of those around us. Especially, when a fellow Christian is in distress, you can do what you can to comfort him through an expression of sympathy (1 Thess. 5:11, 14). Some who are sick and some older Christians could be assisted greatly if someone cared enough for them to take them out to cat or to prepare a meal for them. There is always someone who can use our help.

If you are still one of those people who are frequently heard to say, "I don't know what I can do," then go back and read this article again and you will find something to do if that is what you are honestly seeking. And old song says, "There is much to do, there's work on every hand . . . ."

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 18, p. 557
September 19, 1985