And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Matthew 18:16 NIV.
What do you think about when you hear the word “church”? Does it bring a smile to your face? Or a pain to your heart? Is it something you “do” because of habit or commitment? Are you an attender or do you feel you really belong? Growing up we lived in Coupeville, Washington, but the Baptist church my parents were founding members was 30 minutes away. Some Sundays my mom took us to the Methodist Church in Coupeville, other Sundays, our dad brought us to the Baptist Church in Oak Harbor. I felt at home in both. The Methodist Church Sunday School laid some great foundational scriptures, while I remember the fellowship and connection at the Baptist Church. In 1990, Darryl and I moved back to Oak Harbor, and in God’s humor, we became a part of the very same Baptist Church! It was a God assignment that we fulfilled for 12 years.
In 2002, we made a change to Lighthouse Christian Center–which is now known as Life Church. These three churches are obviously part of God’s universal church. The church he founded, is the head of and loves. So why is there so much controversy and emotional feelings about “church” or “churches”? Scripture says the church is made up of “living stones”.4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:4-5. ESV. It is the Holy Spirit’s intention to use each of us to be built in place into a spiritual house, unfortunately, we don’t always want to submit to Him and His ways. The ‘living stones’ He may plan to put us next to, may come with sharp edges, which can be uncomfortable. Having the patience to allow the Master builder to work with us and them to fit us into our places is often not easy.
For a moment, please try to picture your church as well as the global church from God’s perspective. Remember, for as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts that your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9. NKJV. He doesn’t see as we see. First of all, He sees every congregation that names His name. He loves the people in each of those churches, just as He does you. He understands their peculiarities, their emphasis (immersion or sprinkling), worship styles (calm hymn singing or enthusiastic clapping–maybe with some dancing!). He receives their worship. He understands He is the foundation stone and the Head. How can He allow so much variety? Because He loves it!.
What He probably doesn’t love is when His people do not follow Ephesians 4:1-6. I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. When we walk in pride, judgement and criticism to cause division with our fellow believers. When we are not eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit, but allow separation to take place because of our petty thoughts.
Have you ever stopped to think about what your “perfect” church would look like? How many people, what kind of people, what would the emphasis be? Would most of them look like you? How do you see yourself fitting in to the body of Christ? Take time to read 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. Paul spends a great deal of time describing why we need diversity in the body. I can see a very misfunctioning and lacking body if every one was just like me.
Jesus gave us the gift of community when He instituted the church. It is meant to be a place of teaching, healing and protection. It is meant to be a light, set on a hill that can draw the unsaved. It is meant to be a nursery to grow young spiritual babes into strong mature believers. It is meant to be a place where each member can develop and use their gifts for His kingdom’s sake. It is meant to be an example where love reigns over unforgiveness. My friends, I know church hurt exists. Satan loves to use it to divide and weaken the body of Christ. How many God intended “pillars” are not part of a local church because they were hurt. If the word “church” is painful to you, please go back to the Lord. Take time to read the scriptures about God’s plan and purpose for the church. Ask Him to heal and restore your soul, where it was hurt. Do not ignore it. Do not pretend it didn’t exist. There is more at stake than you know. Your children or grandchildren are being influenced by it. Ask Him to show you what to do about it. Ask Him to lead you to His place of assignment for you (another local body). Stir up your faith and trust Him. Remember, Jesus didn’t let the comments the Pharisees and other leaders said about Him, keep Him from obeying His purpose, and neither should we.
Perhaps, you realize you were the perpetrator of church hurt. Through gossip, disappointment, misplaced expectations your sowed division. Please repent. Seek Him and what you can do to make it right. Remember, sowing seeds of discord is one thing God hates.
God created each of us to need community. The blessing of fellowship is like the blessing of marriage–it needs to be experienced to totally understand the joy that comes from walking together with other believers. No church is perfect. Pray for your pastor and leaders, especially when you feel like judging or criticizing. I especially find myself praying for our leaders on Saturday night, asking the Lord to strengthen, bless and encourage them for Sunday’s ministry. It helps me prepare my own heart to receive from them. Taking communion is a good time to examine your heart toward those in your church leadership. Clearing your heart’s slate at the remembrance of the cross can be so helpful. Paul mentions that some are weak because they take the elements unworthily. Maybe our churches demonstrate a weaker light than they should because the believers in them have not dealt with unforgiveness or other issues like they should. Check your heart and eyesight for any mote/log issue.
Father, I thank you for the gift of the church. Help us to live worthy of this gift. Forgive us for not respecting and honoring your Headship. Please continue to help us grow into the glorious church you are preparing, without spot or wrinkle. We seem to be a long ways away from it. Father, help each of us do our part, not point fingers at others. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Faith Encounters 