"WHY STAND YE HERE ALL

How is the church to carry out the work of benevolence? The local church is organized to carry out the work of benevolence. The local church may develop a method of helping the poor, widows, fatherless, etc. The method is decided by the elders, local congregation. What about doing the work of benevolence through a benevolent society? Attempting to do the work of the church through a society is unscriptural – therefore a sin. The benevolent society is unscriptural on the same grounds as the missionary society. There is simply no authority for them.

Therefore, instead of standing idle, every member of the church should be working and be involved in the work of the church.

The householder agreed with the ones that were first hired for a certain wage. Those that were hired the third, sixth, ninth, and eleventh hours agreed to work for whatever was right. What about today, are there reasons to work?

One reason not to stand idle is so that one will not be a discouragement to those who are working. When the children of Israel were ready to enter the promised land some desired to stay on the east side of Jordan (Num. 32:1-5). These were asked "Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here" (Num. 32:6)? These were a discouragement to the others (Num. 32:7).

Another reason not to stand idle is shame will come to those who are idle. The wise man Solomon wrote, "he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame" (Prov. 10:5). Jesus said, "The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest" (Luke 10:2). He also said, "Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest" (John 4:35). Does this mean that if Christians are standing idle today that they are not involved in the harvest and, therefore, are bringing shame to themselves?

Another reason to not stand all day idle is that the ones who are standing idle are not wise and are as the ones who are asleep. Solomon wrote, "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:  Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.  How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep" (Prov. 6:6-9). The Bible refers to those who are standing idle as being foolish (Ecc. 4:5). If one desires to be wise he will not stand idle. Paul said, "Awake thou that sleepest" (Eph. 5:14).

Another reason not to stand idle is that works are required if one is going to be pleasing to God. Works are required because salvation depends upon the correct kind of work (John 6:28-29). If one is going to obey the gospel of Christ he is required to do something. God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit have provided the scheme of Redemption. God provided the plan (Eph. 3:10-11). Christ came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). He shed His blood to make possible the plan of salvation. The Holy Spirit delivered the words whereby one would know how to take advantage of that plan. Now man must do something. Therefore, salvation is conditional upon obedience to the gospel of Christ (Rom. 6:16-18; Heb. 5:8,9). Works are required to demonstrate faith (Jam. 2:14-26). James describes by inspiration what true faith is (Jam. 2:14-17). James gives examples of faith (Jam. 2:21-26). Works are required if one is to follow the example of Jesus (1 Pet. 2:21; John 9:3-4; 10:25,37-38; 17:4). Works are required if one desires to bring glory to the Father (Matt. 5:16). Works are required if one desires to be wise (Jam. 3:13-18). Works are required because all will be judged by works (Ecc. 12:13-14; Rev. 14:13; Heb. 6:10; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 2:6; Rev. 20:12-13). Works are required if one desires to receive a commendation from the Lord.

The householder rewarded the workers for their labor. Those that answered the call to work, whether it was the first hour of the day or the eleventh hour, received what was right. How does this apply today? Jesus said, "For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works" (Matt. 16:27). The workers in the Lord’s Kingdom have been promised a great reward. If a Christian works the works of God then he is laying up for himself treasure in heaven. Jesus said, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matt. 6:19-21). Paul said, "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing" (2 Tim. 4:6-8). Jesus said that one day a great separation will take place (Matt. 25:31-46). Those who have been faithful in their service to the Lord will hear from the Lord "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Matt. 25:34). He continues to explain why they will hear these wonderful words (Matt. 25:35-40). The faithful child of God, the children of God who are not idle, can look forward to having a home in heaven one day. Heaven will surely be worth it all.

continued next week