By Edd Sterchi
Reach: verb 1) stretch out an arm in order to touch or grasp something 2) be able to touch (something) with an outstretched arm or leg 3) arrive at or attain; extend to 4) make contact with 5) succeed in influencing or having an effect on (from the Oxford English Dictionary)
In the Lord’s church, we are to be very concerned about reaching beyond ourselves. It is the Lord’s will that we do so. It is the work of the church. It should be a labor of love for us. Notice that we are to...
...“reach down” in benevolence to help the less fortunate. As a church, we need to be compassionately doing good to all (Gal. 6:10; Heb. 13:16). As an extension of Christ upon the earth, we need to help others in His name.
...“reach up” in worship of God. As a church, we need to properly and sincerely glorify God in our praise of Him (John 4:24; Phil. 3:3). When we gather together as His people, we should sing and pray with heartfelt expressions of joy and thanksgiving.
...“reach in” in edification of one another. As a church, we realize that we are the family of God and it is important that we lovingly encourage one other (Rom. 14:19; 1 Thess. 5:11). When we strengthen our bond with each other, we strengthen the church.
...“reach out” in evangelizing the lost. As a church, we are to always proclaim the saving message of the gospel of Christ to one and all (Matt. 28:18-20; 2 Tim. 4:2). The church that belongs to Christ should always be promoting Christ.
Indeed, let us as a church always be reaching beyond ourselves by reaching in every direction: up, down, in, out, and all around. Let us be concerned about honoring God and doing His will with every extension we make. Let us be busy and active – reaching, reaching, reaching. And let us, like Paul, always be “...reaching forward to those things which are ahead” (Phil. 3:13).
Reach: verb 1) stretch out an arm in order to touch or grasp something 2) be able to touch (something) with an outstretched arm or leg 3) arrive at or attain; extend to 4) make contact with 5) succeed in influencing or having an effect on (from the Oxford English Dictionary)
In the Lord’s church, we are to be very concerned about reaching beyond ourselves. It is the Lord’s will that we do so. It is the work of the church. It should be a labor of love for us. Notice that we are to...
...“reach down” in benevolence to help the less fortunate. As a church, we need to be compassionately doing good to all (Gal. 6:10; Heb. 13:16). As an extension of Christ upon the earth, we need to help others in His name.
...“reach up” in worship of God. As a church, we need to properly and sincerely glorify God in our praise of Him (John 4:24; Phil. 3:3). When we gather together as His people, we should sing and pray with heartfelt expressions of joy and thanksgiving.
...“reach in” in edification of one another. As a church, we realize that we are the family of God and it is important that we lovingly encourage one other (Rom. 14:19; 1 Thess. 5:11). When we strengthen our bond with each other, we strengthen the church.
...“reach out” in evangelizing the lost. As a church, we are to always proclaim the saving message of the gospel of Christ to one and all (Matt. 28:18-20; 2 Tim. 4:2). The church that belongs to Christ should always be promoting Christ.
Indeed, let us as a church always be reaching beyond ourselves by reaching in every direction: up, down, in, out, and all around. Let us be concerned about honoring God and doing His will with every extension we make. Let us be busy and active – reaching, reaching, reaching. And let us, like Paul, always be “...reaching forward to those things which are ahead” (Phil. 3:13).
- Edd Sterchi preaches for the Broadway Church of Christ in
Campbellsville, KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's
website: http://www.broadwaychurchofchrist.net/
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