Physical or Spiritual?

Is it possible for a congregation to be relevant in our American society and maintain the integrity and purity of the Word of God? Can we serve our communities, making a difference in their lives and still hold true to design and purpose of God? Dear reader, not only can we, we, without fail, absolutely must. How do we do that?

Please forgive me if you feel I am over simplifying a response to this pertinent question, but the Bible holds the answer to this query. As the proponents of both views: the church must be involved in responding to the physical needs of our communities and the other end of the spectrum, the church is to preach to the lost, will agree, there are Biblical patterns for the respective tenants. And they are correct. However, one view is not to the exclusion of the other. There must be balance.

Bible students know that Jesus and His followers attended to the physical needs of people. They were healed (Mark 5:25-34), fed (Matthew 15:32-38), cared for (Acts 2:44-45), and loved (John 11:19-44). We also recognize that Jesus and His followers preached the Word and upheld the verity of God’s Word (Matthew 15:1-20; Galatians 1:6-10). We must also be willing to recognize that both aspects, physical and spiritual, were addressed as the need presented itself. The work of Jesus while He was on Earth cannot be misconstrued to support a social gospel as it is presented today. The nature of the gospel involves a social aspect, but not to the exclusion of the truth. The message of salvation and the truth of God’s Word demand our participation in the lives of others, but not to the exclusion of kindness and compassion.

So, how do we hold to the Biblical pattern of balance? Simply respond to the needs of the people of whom we come in contact. If there is a physical need, let’s do all we can meet it: “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” (Galatians 6:10). Additionally, the gospel of Christ is the power of God to salvation and we must teach it fervently and passionately: “But He said to them, I have food to eat that you do not know about. So the disciples were saying to one another, No one brought Him anything to eat, did he? Jesus said to them, My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work” (John 4:32-34).

Compassion and the gospel of Christ are not at odds against each other. Caring for the needs of the body and the needs of the soul are not strangers. The lost around us are in need. It is my prayer that our hearts are stirred to show them love of God in every way. “No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.” (1 John 4:12).

Submitted by:  L. Reagan