But for the lack obedience to His word and a genuine submission to Christ as Lord and the empowering of His Spirit; coupled with the lack of agape love -- which is an inclusive, forbearing, forgiving and a reconciling love; but for the lack of corrective discipline as taught in the Scriptures and by the example of our Lord Jesus; but for the failure to give our best, until the last ounce and strength of our life's blood for His kingdom's call; but for the taking of an offense and the result of bitter fruit, and at times encouraging others to be offended also; but for the failure to intentionally reach out to the communities which are filled with the unchurched and to share with them a bold proclamation of the riches of His love and the wonder of His grace and the assurance of His promises for all eternity; but for restraining one's own tongue in gossip and false accusation; but for the failure to let our lights shine more brightly and consistently for Him and then, to be like salt within our arenas of influence; and for some -- but for the violating of the articles of church governance -- churches that were at one time great, decline. As a result of these areas of neglect and wrongful actions, many churches fail in their mission as His people, resulting in the reality that many people continue on their journey without hope and without Christ. Eventually some of these churches will turn off the lights for the last time; they will close and lock the doors, and with tears of sadness, they will say to themselves and to one another: "What might have been, if only we had listened; if only we had done things differently; if only we had awaken from our stupor and slumber sooner? What a difference would have been made if we had only been more obedient to His word and more loving to one another and had listened to those whom the Lord sent to us to challenge and help us see the way forward. What might have been if we had only learned to be more like Jesus!" There is confident
About the Author: About the Author The Rev. J. Glenn Linthicum is now retired, but he and his wife remain active by hosting international exchange students, along with Rev. Linthicum's continuing ministry in Language Missions, working with the growing number of non-English-speaking population of his community and region. On occasion he still teaches and preaches in local churches and is still committed to exemplifying God's grace, mercy, love, and forbearance toward all people. Both he and his wife enjoy world travel, and always, they look forward to the return visits of their many sons and daughters. Their one son by birth is a member of the US Navy and is stationed in San Diego, CA.