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Lately I've been giving a lot of thought to this thing we call the church. I've been thinking about its roots in the family of Abraham. I've been thinking about its mission to bless all of humanity (Gen. 12:3) and then I think about what we pass off as church in America these days.
...an hour program once or twice a week...
...an emotion filled event or retreat now and again...
...sprinkle the occasional service project...
...rinse...repeat...
Not really all that exciting is it? Especially when you look at it through the lens of scripture.
"To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen."
--Revleation 1:6
"You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."
--Revelation 5:10
Did you see it? A partnership between God and His people. A collaboration founded on an everlasting covenant. God calls his people out not merely to be saved, but to be His instrument, His representatives in the world.
However, we don't often represent very well. When many Americans are open to talking about Jesus, but adverse to talking about the church, we've got problems.
Something needs to change. Like the prophets of old, we must be a voice in the wilderness calling, "Make straight the path of the Lord." (Matthew 3:3. Isaiah 40:3) It is time for us to come clean, and turn towards the risen Christ. However, there's a bit of a problem...me. While I sit here in my warm office and type these words, I need to move from inaction to action. I need to lay myself bare before the Lord and ask for forgiveness. I cannot ask for anyone else to turn, if I am not doing it myself. This is my present challenge, and it requires the assistance of God's Spirit to give me the courage I need.
Father, help me to be brave today. Help me to face my own dysfunction. My own self centeredness. Help me to seek first Your Kingdom. May you receive all of the glory. Amen.
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