How often do some people within the church body seem to work while others just sit idly by? Here we will take a look at some people who wanted to reap the benefits of the whole group but did not have to put forth much effort into obtaining the rewards.
Prior to Israel's occupation of the Promised Land, the three tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh wanted to settle east of the Jordan River on the land that they had previously defeated.
Moses quickly assumed that they were trying to avoid helping the others fight for the land across the river. However, Moses had made a wrong assumption.
Before deciding, we must gather all relevant information when interacting with people. Even if their plans seem suspicious, we should not automatically assume that they have bad intentions.
As we look through this passage of Scripture, we can see that it has a practical application to our service in the church today. We will begin with a historical analysis of Numbers 32.
What Is the Context of Numbers 32?
Reuben and Gad had “a very great multitude of cattle.” They saw that the land of Jazer and Gilead was good for cattle. So, they requested to take possession of the land and not go over the Jordan river with the rest of Israel.
But Moses responds to them, “Should your fellow Israelites go to war while you sit here?” (Numbers 32:6).
Moses is basically saying, “Hey, why should you be allowed to sit here and take it easy while the rest of us go and fight for that land? You are beginning to sound like your forebears who were denied entry into the Promised Land because of their actions. And do not forget, your fellow relatives helped to obtain the land that you are wanting for yourselves.”
How do you think Moses viewed their request? Would they discourage the rest of the tribes? If so, then they would be no different than the 10 spies from Numbers 13 who discouraged Israel with their report and who caused God to be angry.
Would they be such sinful men and cause God’s anger to grow against Israel? If so, they would effectively annihilate God’s chosen people!
Now we see that they had come to an agreement. The children of Reuben and Gad stated that they would send their soldiers to help fight for the Promised Land, but they wanted time to build sheepfolds here for their cattle and cities for their little ones.
Moses agrees with them but gives them strict caution. If they do not keep up their end of the bargain, “you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23).
These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come (1 Corinthians 10:11).
The pressures of today make it simple for us to disregard or forget the lessons of the past. However, Paul admonished us to keep in mind the lessons the Israelites learned about God in order to avoid making the same mistakes.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that we should read and study the Bible on a regular basis so that these lessons can help us remember how God wants us to live.
At the point when Reuben and Stray understood the impact of just sitting while their brethren went to battle, they promptly made plans to do their part.
Moses even showed them patience, giving them time to take care of their families. In response, they pledged to participate in the war.
How Does This Apply to Us Today?
We are in a spiritual war just like Israel (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). This war is not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, the rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness (Ephesians 6:10-18). The church (Body of Christ) fights this battle daily regardless of where we serve.
So far, a lot has been done because of the many who have stood up for the Truth throughout the past, getting away from denominationalism and standing against false teaching that would lead to apostasy.
It is possible for us today to know the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to worship in spirit and in truth, and to partake in the blessings of God as a member of His family.
But the war is far from over.
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
How Can Some Christians Just Sit While Others Do the Work?
Do we sit when we should be working? Do we sit enjoying the comforts from the efforts of those who toiled and labored in the past or those who are now laboring, enabling us to take pleasure from the blessings of Christian fellowship and worship?
What are we doing if we are not actively participating in some aspect of the Lord's work? I will tell you what we are doing. We are sitting on the stool of “do nothing.”
How Does Just Sitting Affect Things?
We dissuade and discourage our church family (Numbers 32:7). Who frequently must bear the burden on their own? Who is prone to becoming “burned out” trying to do everything? Any lack of being involved is just as harmful as actively opposing! The lazy are related to the destroyer.
One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys (Proverbs 18:9).
If we do not help gather, we will succeed in scattering.
“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters” (Matthew 12:30).
There is no middle ground! If we are guilty of sitting on the stool of “do nothing,” then it is like sitting in a wagon without pulling or pushing!
What Will Happen in the End?
“You will be sinning against the Lord” (Numbers 32:23). Christ is impacted by what we do or don't do for the church body. When Paul persecuted the church, he learned from the Lord as he was put to his knees (Acts 9:1-5).
When we sin against each other, we sin against Christ (1 Corinthians 8:12). We can be certain that our sin will expose us. It will be seen in the congregation's growth. Ephesians 4:15-16 says that proper growth is only possible if everyone does their part.
Growth may occur with inactive members, but it will be stunted, slowed down, and impaired. On Judgment Day, it will be revealed when we answer for our laziness. Do you recall the parable of the Talents? (Matthew 25:24–30).
We should certainly have the patience to assist our church family in getting ready for war. All of us should resolve not to rest until the work is finished. We should be more focused on the spiritual struggle.
We should be more involved in whatever area of service we are most qualified for. Let your fellow Christians know that you want to help and not just sit and watch others work. Are you actively serving Christ's kingdom and a member of His army?
For further reading:
What Is the Significance of ‘A Little Sleep, a Little Slumber’?
How Does the Bible Define a Sluggard?
What Is the Parable of the Talents?
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