"Drop-Outs"

For some time there has been considerable discussion among the education community over what has been termed as “drop-outs.” A “drop-out” is a student who starts his education then for some reason stops short of finishing. This is done in preference to some other direction he decides he wants to take. Educators are concerned–and rightly so–because they realize that the people who are dropping out of schools of instruction are about to miss important information calculated to not only to help them live a good life, but to make them happy, useful citizens.

But there is another kind of “drop-out,” an even more serious one. It is sad indeed how may people have commenced their trek to heaven but who, for some reason, decide to drop out of service to God. In fact, in far too many churches there are about as many who are dropping out as there are being saved. People start with enthusiasm and then, for some reason, glide away from the faithful. The reasons vary almost as much as the personalities of the drop outs. Some gradually drift; some look diligently to find some reason to leave so they can do what they want; still others find fault with the members of the congregation, accusing they are not receiving the kind of recognition they deserve. There are literally dozens of other “reasons” given for dropping out of service.

“Oh,” you say, “I haven't dropped out, I've just been busy.” But such a simple busy life can so impede one's spiritual progress that before long he drops out. Or it may well be that one who makes that excuse has already dropped out and just doesn't realize it. Every person decides his own course of pursuit. He can drift in and out of his service to God and sooth his conscience to some extent. Besides, a man's faithfulness is not measured by whether or not he attends on the Lord's Day; it is measured by whether or not he is faithful the other six days of the week. Every person has the responsibility to live his life in a way that brings honor to to God. Fact is, you can be at the Sunday services and still be a “drop- out.” (Read Hebrews 2:1-3)

But there are many who have dropped out in a more literal way. They have done just what the term implies–they have dropped out! Oh, they still profess to be citizens in the body of Christ, and if asked, they will affirm it–albeit, in rather soft tones. But they are in no way involved in the work being carried on by the local congregation where they ostensibly are members. They don't attend Bible classes or gospel meetings, and are not present on Sunday and Wednesday evening. They don't give as they have been prospered. They don't invite people to services or encourage home Bible studies. Many of them–far too many–don't even encourage their own children to attend Bible classes. They likely don't know who the Deacons are and don't even know the names of the wives of the Elders. They may not know it, but they've dropped out. They are no longer in fellowship with God. (Read I John 1:7-9).

There are some marks of identification for religious drop outs. Although they don't realize it, they are all very much alike. First, they are not only adept, but virtuoso at formulating and offering excuses. They are so skilled that sometimes they will make an excuse when a reason would have well sufficed. Their excuses have a similar ring, too. First of all, there is a ring of insincerity about them. They are given to explain the facts when, in reality, they conceal the facts. They are in no way to be confused with plausible reasons; they are just a quick way out of an uncomfortable situation. Why, in the name of common sense and truthfulness, cannot one just say, “I need to do better, will you help me?” (Read I John 4:7-8)

Another thing: drop outs are always ill-at-ease when the faithful brethren–especially the preacher or one of the Elders–is near by. They will discuss everything but their drop- out situation. If it comes up, you can prepare for an immediate subject change. They may even sometimes say, “I know I should,” but no indication that a change is in the offing. They know all the stars' names. They know all the team bating averages, all the number of tackles the number 99 made in last week's game, how many games ahead or behind the local team is in the standings. But for the life of them, they can't seem to find Acts 2:38. Without possibly even knowing it, they've become a religious drop out. (Read I Peter 3:15-16)

To drop out of service to God is to place your most valuable possession in jeopardy. Don't do it! Don't be a drop out.

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