Thankful for the Church
Thankful for the Church
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” – Colossians 3:15-16
What do you think of when someone mentions the church?
- Do you think of a boring hour where you try to not fall asleep?
- Do you think of a time when you get to see friends?
- Do you think of a time to worship?
- Do you think of a building?
The word, “church” has come to be associated with all these, but “church” in the Bible is something different.
Imagine you were stranded on an island.
There are many things you would have to deal with. You would need to make a shelter, find water and food, protect yourself from wildlife, find a way to get home, etc. There’s one other thing you would have to deal with…loneliness.
Now, imagine you are on the island, but with some friends. Instead of loneliness, you grow closer to them through the challenging time. Beyond that, all the other difficult things you have to do become easier as you can share the load with your friends.
Church, A People
In the New Testament, the church is not a place or even worship. The church is the people of God. That church gathers for worship and may even do so in a building dedicated to worship, but those aren’t the church. You and I and everyone who believes in Jesus is the church.
What if the word, church, brought to mind friends, mentors, and students. What if it brought to mind people who care for us when we are sick, lead us back when we go astray, celebrate with us when we are happy, and cry with us when we are sad. What if church brought to mind the people we long to see when we feel broken and the ones we run to when we know we’ve really messed up. What if it’s the people we pray with, sing with, study God’s Word with, and with whom we walk this life.
This world is not our home. Until we arrive at home, not only is God with us but so is His church.
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the church. Thank You for a people who love me and care for me. Thank You for a people who know I’m not perfect, but love me all the same and speak Your Word of forgiveness and truth into my life.
Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
