Peace and harmony are essential for a thriving, faithful and growing church of our Lord. Certainly, the results of peace and harmony are being evidenced in the churches in Demopolis by the continued growth and strength that they have seen. Nevertheless, we must occasionally remind ourselves of some important qualities of a membership that promotes these desired results.

1. Keep a chain on your tongue. Always say less than you think. You don’t have to put your brain in neutral when your tongue is in gear. Every unspoken word should pass through these 3 doors. (1) Is it true? (2) Is it kind? (3) Is it necessary?

2. Make promises sparingly and keep them faithfully, no matter what it costs you.

3. Never let an opportunity pass to say a kind and encouraging thing to or about somebody. Praise good work, regardless of who did it. If criticism is needed, do it so it will help and not hinder.

4. Be interested in others, interested in their pursuits; their welfare; their homes and families. Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. Let everyone you meet, however humble, feel that you regard him as one of importance.

5. Be cheerful. Keep the corners of your mouth turned up. Hide your pains, worries and disappointments as much as possible under a smile. Laugh at good stories and learn to tell them.

6. Preserve an open mind on matters of opinion. Hold fast to matters of faith, but do so in a loving spirit.

7. Let your virtues speak for themselves, and refuse to talk of others vices. Discourage gossip.

8. Be careful of another’s feelings. Wit and humor at another’s expense is rarely worth the effort and may hurt when least expected.

9. Pay no attention to ill-natured remarks about you. Simply live so that nobody will believe them.

10. Don’t be anxious about your dues (what is due you). Do your work, be patient, keep your disposition sweet, forget self and you will be rewarded.

These ten suggestions are biblical and need to be remembered in our every day walks of life. I’m excited about the great things that are happening at First Christian Church and I hope you are excited about the things going on in your church. Lets make sure that we continue in this wonderful direction!

God Bless and GOOOO DAWGS,

-Murphy is the Pastor at the First Christian Church in Demopolis. The church website is www.fccdemopolis.org