The Church

From the Issacharites, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their relatives under their command. - 1 Chronicles 12:32

We are all familiar with the phrase, "There is strength in numbers," but is it true?

Perhaps.

After David became the king of Israel, soldiers from all the tribes joined him at Hebron. Among these were chiefs from Issachar "with all their relatives under their command." What made these men different from all the others? According to the biblical record, they "understood the times and knew what Israel should do."

So, is there strength in numbers? Sure, but there is greater strength in the right kind of numbers!

To illustrate, which church is more powerful: a) the church with 100 faithful, wise members and 25 unfaithful, unwise or, b) the church with 100 faithful, wise members and 200 unfaithful, unwise?  Which church has more influence and opportunity to make an impact for the Kingdom, "Church A" or "Church B?" Simply put, while Church B may have the "numbers," Church A will likely accomplish more for the kingdom because they possess the unity to make it happen. While almost every church has those who are faithful and "understand the times," the unfaithful can make it difficult to achieve all that God desires.

Healthy churches will always have members at differing stages of spiritual maturity, but those who understand God's Word and live it must be allowed to lead. The church is rarely equal to the crowd, but can usually be found within it. As Jesus said, "Let he who has an ear hear what the Spirit is saying to that church."

We want a crowd to make us feel important and liked. But why is getting a crowd our focus? Jesus never suggested that crowds were the goal. He never addresses getting your church to grow. Never. - Chuck Swindoll