Are You The Weakest Link?

Kipp Campbell

One of the more recent fad TV shows has been “The Weakest Link”. It is a team oriented trivia show where the more correct answers given, earns your team more money. After each question/answer period, the team members vote off the one they consider to be the “weakest link”, i.e., the one holding the team back from winning a lot of money. The idea is to build a team that will insure a big payday, by casting those off that might compromise that goal.

Paul wrote, “…but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love” (Eph. 4:15-16). In a chapter where unity is discussed, Paul clearly shows that all Christians have a part in the health of a congregation. If the members are strong, then the church will be too. However, if the members are weak, the church will be likewise. Let’s look at some ways we can be the weakest links in the Lord’s church.

Source of conflict. In congregations where problems seem to be the norm, they can usually be traced back to one source. It seems that some Christians have made it their aim in life to cause problems for not only themselves, but most importantly their brethren. When times of conflict arise, does the source of the problem lie with us? Are we helping or hurting the church when we behave in that manner? It goes without saying, of course, if the problems are doctrinal you are required to stand for the truth (Jude 3), but in most cases of disharmony the problem isn’t doctrinal, it’s a matter of judgment. Let us be careful when we begin to raise an objection. Ask yourself a question: Is this a matter of doctrine or judgment? If the answer is judgment, consider this: Will it help or hinder this congregation?

Source of discouragement. Paul wrote, “Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing” (I Thess. 5:11). The Hebrew writer wrote, “But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called ‘Today,’ lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb. 3:13). In the first century, much like today, encouragement played an important role in the church. It is what kept those Christians motivated to live pure and holy lives before the Lord. When we do things to discourage our fellow Christians (such as not showing up for assemblies, giving unneeded criticisms, etc.) we are actually doing in reverse what God has commanded. We have enough problems and injustices in this world, let the church be the one place we can all come and be lifted up, not dragged down.

Source of inactivity. Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19). Sadly, a good portion of Christians do nothing to help spread the gospel to those who need it most, even thought it was a command of our Savior. Often, we leave the teaching of others to those who are “more qualified” to teach. What this really amounts to is an excuse not to do anything! While it is true we might not be capable of teaching, we are capable of inviting people to services, setting up studies with those who can and will teach, or simply teaching others by our example! The Lord expects us to work in His kingdom. There is no room for spectators. Jesus said in John 4:35, “Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest.”

Being the weakest link on a TV show is not nearly as bad as being the weakest link in a congregation. We all have a role in the Lord’s church (Eph. 4:15-16; I Cor. 12:12-31). Let us all evaluate ourselves to see whether we are a strong or weak link in the Lord’s body. If we’re one of the strong ones, keep up the good work. If we’re one of the weak ones, get to work! May God bless you as you strive to strengthen the Lord’s body in this place.