CLOCKWORK CHRISTIANS

In less than two weeks we will be turning our clocks forward. As Christians, we more often look at clocks than we do ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5). Some people are clock-watchers who spend much of their time looking to see what time it is. Clocks have varied qualities that we may, or may not share as Christians. In this article, we want to examine some of these qualities.

SOME CLOCKS ARE DEPENDABLE – ALWAYS ON TIME – This type of Christian exhorts others to do their duties (Luke 17:10; Hebrews 10:24, 25). They are dependable in their practice of pure religion (James 1:27).

SOME CLOCKS RUN TOO FAST – We see several examples of people like this in the Bible:
Nadab and Abihu – Leviticus 10:1-7
Naaman – 2 Kings 5:14-17
Annanias and Sapphira – Acts 5:1-10

Many Christians begin trying very hard, but soon tire out (Galatians 6:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:13). Others quickly turn away from the truth (Galatians 1:6).

SOME CLOCKS RUN TOO SLOW – This would be representative of the lukewarm child of God (Revelation 3:16). This person has not stopped. He has just slowed down to the point of being worthless to the cause of Christ. Such behavior results in God considering him repulsive. This person, as in the case of all slow running clocks, once ran well, but now no longer does that which he should (Galatians 5:7).

SOME CLOCKS ARE SELF-MOTIVATORS – This type of Christian is like the self-winding watch. They are best described as the doer of the word. There is no need for daily prodding to get this person to work (James 1:22-25). The self-winding Christian has a definite purpose to their lives (1 Cor. 9:26).

SOME CLOCKS MUST BE WOUND UP – Certain members of the church must be continually wound up in order to get them to do their duty. The forgetful hearer of James 1:25 is one such person who must be continually wound up. Others must be begged in order to get them to perform their spiritual service (Romans 12:1, 2). Others must, like the old clock, need restoration in order to get them to work properly (Galatians 6:1). Many members of the church run down from time to time. But, when they are wound up, they run quite well (James 5:20). Due to this, we should be busy provoking one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24).

SOME CLOCKS ARE CUCKOO CLOCKS – These brethren are disagreeable about everything. They reject authority becoming modern day Diotrephes (3 John 9, 10). They are constantly in a state of disregard to those who have the rule over them (Hebrews 13:7, 17). They are the ones who discourage those who would do good (Deuteronomy 1:28).

SOME CLOCKS CHIME PROUDLY PROCLAIMING WHAT THEY ARE – These are those who are not ashamed of the gospel (Romans 1:16). They are happy to serve even though facing persecution (Acts 4:19). They ring out the word by their manner of life (2 Corinthians 3:2).

SOME CLOCKS ARE GRANDFATHER CLOCK – THEY ARE FAITHFUL AND RELIABLE – These are always there to exhort and encourage when such is needed. They are the ones who remain faithful through it all. They face the problems of life, yet remain faithful.

SOME CLOCKS HAVE STOPPED – These represent brethren who have forsaken the Lord. Some say, “Oh, I haven’t quit the Lord, I’ve just quit the church.” I have often wondered, if one has only quit the church, and not the Lord, what would they do differently if they were to quit the Lord? The truth is, if you quit one, you quit the other (Hebrews 12:1-6).

As we compare our lives to the clock, which one best, describes us?

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