Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

GIVE ME CHILDREN, OR ELSE I DIE!

“And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die.” Gen. 30:1

Many years ago, my good friend and mentor, Dr. R. T. Perritt wrote a book entitled, KINDLING FIRES FOR CHURCH GROWTH. As the title would suggest, the chapters of the book were devoted to encouragement for the Lord’s people to seek growth both spiritually and numerically in the churches.

The text verse above, reveals an extremely deep desire to fulfill one’s purpose in life. For Rachel, the wife of choice of Jacob, it was to bear children. As that scenario may be extrapolated into the present, spiritual realm, it is realized that the churches of the Lord have purpose to fulfill. They realize that unless they are given spiritual children to carry on the great work of Christ’s commission to them, they will soon become extinct. Subsequently, the cry of Rachel “…else I die.” will become a reality for the churches.

The anguish of Rachel was heightened by others in the extended family bearing children. In the same manner, churches that are not growing spiritually and numerically see yet others who may not be of the “faith once delivered to the saints” growing numerically can be tempted to reach beyond biblical boundaries to incorporate unqualified members into their fold. That may produce a temporary sense of well-being, but any growth in the Lord’s churches, not accomplished His way not only fails to help, it can actually hasten the spiritual death of that body.

As the cry of Rachel was to her husband, so let the cry of God’s people be unto Him Who is able to give the proper increase. Let us be done with seeking to do the work that only God can do, and increase efforts in the work He gave us to do. Let us pray earnestly! Let us witness genuinely! Let us live honestly, and enthusiastically according to the hope that lies in our hearts. Truly, we can plant the seed. We can water that which is planted, but it is God Who gives the increase. Thus to the Lord of harvest let us cry, “Give us children, or else we die.” That is the increase that will last.

FOR THOUGHT: Should a church be concerned with adding to its membership without first making Rachel’s cry to the Lord of the church? To whom should Christians look for blessings? Do you think it is easy to put the power of God in the background of church activities? What do you think will be the result of such actions?