THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
by Given O. Blakely
WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE
I would like to see congregations across the land where true spiritual qualities were found in abundance. I
realize it is not fashionable to expect flawlessness in the churches, but they could sure be better than they
are. It seems that men have grown accustomed to spiritual mediocrity--something not tolerated by the
Lord Jesus. He has revealed how He reacts to lukewarmness, misdirection, corrupt teaching, and glorying
in externals. There is no reason for anyone to be uninformed in  these things. 
I suggest there are alternatives to congregations being filled with people that give little or no evidence of
being born again. It is not necessary to tolerate a lack of appetite for God's Word, and a deficiency of
interest in things pertaining to life and godliness. Weak insipid preaching, and inferior teaching, do not
have to be endured by hungry and thirsty souls. A large attendance and extensive congregational
activities cannot make up for an absence of spirituality and a zealous quest for heaven. 
Imagine being part of a fellowship where the following conditions were found.
1.   Elders were individuals whose faith could be safely followed.
2.   The edification of the saints had the priority.
3.   Members were expected to be  truly born again.
4.   If Jesus showed up at 12 years of age, He would be able to sit with the learned, and not have to join
the youth group.
5.   Where godly women that had seen the truth could bear witness to it.
6.   Where qualifications were measured by what God had given the individual rather than what he had
received from men.
7.   The people were Scripturally literate.
8.   Gatherings were anticipated and attended by all the members.
9.   Time with God was not considered an inconvenience.
10.  Sunday lunch ranked behind feeding on the riches of God.
11.  Young people were expected to be part of the congregation.
12.  Old people were not excluded from activity because of their age.
13.  Caleb could take official responsibility at 85.
14.  Anna, over 100, would be able to announce glad tidings without the approval of congregational
leaders.
15.  Every member could exercise the gift they received by God's grace.
16.  Men were not held in high esteem because of earthly attainments.
17.  Spiritual relationships took precedence over fleshly ones.
18.  A young evangelist like Timothy could ordain elders.
19.  Where the content of singing ranked higher than its sound and rhythm.
20.  Preaching would not be tolerated that did not strengthen the faith of the hearers.
     I suggest these qualities should not be viewed as luxuries. It is questionable that any congregation
remaining deficient in these areas can obtain Divine approval. Be part of a growing number of people
that insist on "churches" being approved of God. The thought of a body of professed believers being
without Divine approval is an absurdity. Yet, it appears this notion is held by a great number of religious
people, both leaders and constituency. Such thoughts should be refused!
     Continue to set your affection on things above, and not on things on the earth. In just a little while,
He that shall come will come, and will not tarry. When the Son of man comes, will He find faith upon the
earth? By God's grace, He can find it in you! You can be ready for that grand day, and able to stand with
boldness before the judgment seat of Christ.
Your servant, for Jesus' sake
Given O. Blakely