CHERYL QUIGG
Psalm 78 reminds God’s people to listen carefully and remember what He has done. The psalmist speaks about passing on God’s truth to future generations so that children yet to be born will know His strength and faithfulness. It’s not only about memory, but about responsibility. We need to teach, live, and show God’s word so it will continue to shape lives long after us.
Today, this call still matters. Many believers find it easy to focus on comfort, careers, and personal interests while the mission of the church slowly slips into the background. The truth of Psalm 78 calls the church to return to obedience, to listen again to the voice of God, and to make His name known through faithful living.
Some of us older folks like to remember “the good old days,” when pews were full and music filled the sanctuary. But simply wanting the past back is not enough. The deeper question is what changed in the hearts of believers. In so many cases, service and ministry have become less of a priority compared to other pursuits. The question for the church today is whether we still put God’s work first or if we have allowed busyness to take its place.
True growth in the church is not just about numbers. It is about fruit. It’s about the kind of fruit that shows a heart has been changed by God. The Bible tells us that the fruit of the Spirit includes love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are not achievements but signs that God’s word has taken root in a believer’s life. Jesus said that His followers glorify the Father by bearing much fruit, showing that they are His disciples. A healthy church is one where lives are being transformed, not just where attendance increases.
But not all fruit is good. A heart that does not live in repentance cannot produce the kind of fruit that pleases God. True repentance means turning away from sin and letting the Holy Spirit bring new life from within. In Romans, Paul explained that believers were saved through Christ so they could bear fruit for God. This is the goal of every Christian life.
Churches measure attendance and activity, but numbers alone do not prove faithfulness. Ministry must be measured so that it stays focused on its purpose, but measurement should serve love, not pride. Every person represents a soul that matters to God, and every act of service should point toward helping people grow closer to Christ. The foundation of all this is the Word of God. Psalm 78 teaches that God’s word must be planted deeply, just like a seed in good soil.
Families play a major part in this work. Deuteronomy 6 teaches parents to talk about God’s commands throughout daily life. When sitting at home, walking on the road, lying down, and getting up, we should pass on our faith. This begins at home, not only in the church building. Many past ministries focused on excitement or large events but lacked teaching and follow-up. True discipleship must include steady guidance, helping people grow in understanding and obedience.
Spiritual growth also depends on community. Gathering for small groups or Sunday school builds connection, accountability, and learning. It gives people a place to belong, to share their struggles, and to be cared for.
No matter where, teaching God’s Word faithfully also requires preparation and humility. Those who lead must be learners themselves. Even experienced teachers should continue to grow, to stay sharp, and to stay true to Scripture. And as the church looks to the future, it must ask: are we planting seeds that will bear good fruit? Are we helping people grow in faith, obedience, and love? Are we investing time and energy into the next generation? The future of the church depends on how we answer these questions today.
Faithfulness begins with listening to God and planting His Word in good soil. Growth will come when His people live out the message they teach.
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
Romans 10:17
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