PLANTED IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD

“Those who are PLANTED in the HOUSE of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God”– Psalm 92:13

The Father’s perfect will is for us to be PLANTED in the HOUSE of the LORD: “Those who are PLANTED in the HOUSE of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God” (Psa.92:13). If we must flourish in His courts, it is wise that we meditate on and understand what it means to be planted in His House, with particular reference to our place in the local church. Being an active member of a local church is expected of every believer. The local church is vital to the spiritual welfare and destiny of all believers. The church is a significant work of God on the earth. If the church is strong, everything else is strong. When the church is weak, everything is weak. And every work of God must in one way or another be centred in the local church. God wants us, at the very least, to be planted in terms of commitment and service.

Based on God’s unique purposes as revealed in His Word, His great eternal plan for humanity and the intricate relationships in the body, no true believer can find fulfilment and accomplishment outside the Body of Christ. To fail to identify with and be committed to the local church is to sever oneself from the Body as a whole. The body can only grow when each member functions as he or she should. This requires commitment. Then the Body will truly be His expression on earth: “from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (Eph.4:16).

To be committed is to answer the question, “What can I put into the body?” rather than “What can I get out of the church?” We need to give unselfishly of ourselves: “and this they did, not as we had hoped, but first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God” (2Cor.8:5). God never owes anyone. Those who invest the most get the most out of their commitment, whether in terms of regular attendance, generous financial giving, interceding for leaders, administering, rendering help to the needy, and other practical services in the local church.

A life of service for God is the most fulfilling life there is, because we are created to serve Him. Out attitude to the Lord Jesus Christ is evident in our attitude to His Body, the Church: “If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?” (1Jh.4:20). Few of the attitudes that could hinder or stop a free-flowing spirit of service are:

• Arrogance: unwillingness to accept a role that appears to be less important or a role that is in submission to another

• Egotism: a desire to always dominate or lead, especially when there is neither the ability nor the calling to do so

• Indiscipline and irresponsibility: an unwillingness to accept discipline or responsibility

• Pride: reluctance to accept menial tasks, because service is seen only in terms of what is visible, pleasant or materially rewarding. Some people thin certain tasks are below their dignity and status.

The Lord Jesus Christ exemplified an attitude of humility of service, which should be central in the life of every Christian, at every level of leadership. We should avoid comparing or rating ministries or service. God never holds one ministry above another. To Him, they are all important and are always complimentary. He is the one who gives the ministry or service in the first place. What He desires is a functional, holy, and honourable vessel that will be faithful to do what He has willed: “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1Cor.4:2). You must be planted to function and flourish in one or more of the diverse areas of service in the local church.