(Revised, from the Jackson Street Church of Christ)
A woman struggled vainly to start her car after it had stalled in traffic. An impatient man in the car behind her soon laid on his horn, as if the noise could coax her car to life. Exasperated by his impatience, she finally walked back to his car and said, "I’ll make a deal with you. If you will start my car for me, I'll be happy to honk your horn for you!"
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Tragically, most congregations possess members that are better known for “honking” than helping. Although most “honkers” have never have preached a sermon, taught a class, led a song, or served as an elder or deacon, they are “experts” on how it should be done. Though they rarely propose a new idea or promising plan, they are the first to criticize those who do.
“Honkers” need to be aware of 3 important Bible admonitions.
1. “Do all things WITHOUT COMPLAINING and DISPUTING, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world…” (Phil. 2:14-15) “Honkers” invariably DIM the light of the church. The church should be free from such!
2. “Do NOT GRUMBLE AGAINST ONE ANOTHER, brethren, lest you be CONDEMNED. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!” (James 5:9) We will be held accountable at the judgment for our “honking”. Some may even forfeit their salvation for doing so!
3. "JUDGE NOT, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, YOU WILL BE JUDGED; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Matt. 7:1-2) Be careful about “honking” at others. Otherwise we may receive some severe “honking” at the judgment.
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Anyone driving a car will be honked at occasionally. But this should RARELY occur in the church. If you feel the urge to “honk”, FIRST try to HELP. Who knows? You may just help someone “restart” his or her “engine”.
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis