by: Russell McLaughlin

Mothball Christians

             Several years ago, I read that the United States had 768 ships, that serve as part of a reserve fleet which they often call the “Mothball Navy”. These ships are anchored in various harbors around the country. They receive regular maintenance and upkeep, are repainted regularly, and receive periodic electrical impulses to retard rust and corrosion. The moisture content in the air in their inner compartments is controlled with large humidifiers. While the details of the maintenance activity have changed over the years, the basics are constant: keep the ships afloat and sufficiently working for quick reactivation in an emergency. Much time, energy, and manpower is given to these sedentary vessels. These ships can be ready for combat on very short notice, saving time and money. However, normally they just sit there doing absolutely nothing. The only purpose they serve most of the time is to provide jobs for those who work on them, providing preservation and readiness.

            This automatically caused me to think about “Mothball Christians”. How many “believers” do you think comprise this fleet? They are being preserved through the ministry of concerned disciples. They demand and require incredible amounts of resources, time, and energy in local ministries. Frequently, someone must go after them and try to reactivate them. Their talents are not being used for anything productive. They are on the church membership list, complacent, comfortable, and harbored. They lack fruitfulness in their Christian walk. Jesus said, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:8. As disciples we are to be fruitful, not fruitless.

            It has often been said that in many congregations 10% of the people do 100% of the work. Let’s not let that be true here at Midway. Don’t be a “Mothball Christian”, get involved!