"Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your mercy, LORD, and grant us Your salvation." (Psalm 85:6-7)

Consider this old poem, entitled "Dead Weight":

I've been a dead weight many years

Around the church's neck;

I've let the others carry me

And always pay the check.

I've had my name upon the rolls

For years and years gone by;

I've criticized and grumbled too,

Nothing could satisfy.

I've been a dead weight long enough

Upon the church's back;

Beginning now, I'm going to take

A wholly different track.

I'm going to pray and pay and work

And carry loads instead;

And not have others carry me

Like people do the dead.

(Author Unknown)