Atoms are tiny bits of matter, fundamental particles that make up everything in existence. They comprise the tallest trees, the deepest oceans, and the tiniest microorganisms. Even our own bodies are built by atoms.
An interesting fact about the atom is that, although at first glance it appears solid, in
actuality it consists mostly of space. Its mass is concentrated in its nucleus, which is orbited by
extremely small electrons held in position by electrical force. These electrons make many
billions of orbits around the nucleus in a single second, giving the illusion that they are
everywhere at once. So, although atoms are composed mostly of space, they take form through the rapid movement of its electrons. Were this movement to cease, the ground would give way under our feet!
The Lord’s church should take a cue from the atom. For without zeal and constant
activity, she can grow stagnant and eventually die. Take, for example, the congregation in
Laodicea. She was neither “hot” nor “cold” but “lukewarm.” Consequently, Jesus told her, “I will
spit you out of my mouth” (Rev. 3:16).
Inactivity can afflict a church for numerous reasons. Sometimes different works begin
with enthusiasm, but lack of leadership causes the excitement to wane. Other times, the church lacks proper instruction and simply follows tradition, afflicted with the “that’s the way we’ve always done it” mentality. Furthermore, it’s easy for some to fall into a rut and merely go through the actions of church work with no heart, playing church as if it were a childhood game.
The church is a body (Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:12-27), and in order for a body to stay
healthy, it must exercise its members. Let us, then, “consider how to stir up one another to love
and good works” (Heb. 10:24). If a church is not working, it is only a matter of time before it will lose its form, crumble apart, and die.