With the smiles and greetings we give, the exchange of names, the invitations to return, the introductions to other worshippers, and even invitations to meet the preacher, do we do them out of the core value of care?
Does it show only in a worship service? Or also on other days that we gather together?
I hope we do. And I'm awed by the reminder to do this because Jesus deeply cared for us so much that He gave us His life so we can be part of His family.
Are we maintaining and strengthening His family? Are we honoring His hard-worked efforts for this one?
To be able to do this, we should go back to the core of what family should be. I found these definitions below:
* Family is the foundation of who a person becomes in life.
* Family is a conduit of acceptance, joy, support, sacrifice, and love.
* Family holds on as one with roots rich with stories of life.
* Family is built on a continuous sequence of resilience and humility.
* Family is a hub for health, well-being, and prosperity.
Are we consistent in showing these? And given our spiritual backings, do we intensify these? Do we continue to meet each other's spiritual and relational needs? Do we become a physically embodied community at all times? Do we become a powerful household of what heaven is like to those who need it?
We have a name for this family, and it's called church. And with what we're called to in the Lord, we should embody home. Through this, we can impact, make a difference, touch lives, and bring souls to Christ.
Home should be a safe space for authentic connection and genuine engagement with one another. It may not be perfect, but it can always bring beauty, goodness, energy, vitality, and vibrance. If we've accomplished so much on this, then it's no reason to add damage to what was started.
So, how do we do this? I've learned and compiled these points:
1. Link.
Take time and make every effort to bond and connect as a church. When we do this, we manifest Christ's life and power as His body. The stronger the unity, the better. And what could be better than having a lifelong relationship with it?
2. Invest.
When we invest in a church, we extend ourselves in experiencing life with Jesus. Living the Christ life isn't only personal but communal. We can give time and energy to build it. We can use our talents and abilities to help it stand stronger. We can give out our treasures that can help it continue further.
We can use our tongues to bless others with the inspiration they need so that the community here can grow. We can even give out our gratitude to those we are thankful for. It's a spirit we can pass on, and it helps the church grow further.
3. Fight with forgiveness.
We're all imperfect and flawed. And sometimes, what we do can create chaos. I like this statement, as this should serve as the ultimate rule for this scenario: When all else fails, forgive. I agree that forgiveness conquers everything. It brings out the healing from the messy outcomes of this kind of disorder.
4. Engage faithfully.
In everything we do, we do all we can to keep this body going and growing. Be present always. And it's okay to take it one life at a time. One life that's touched by us is a great joy to us. All the more, it brings great joy to God. Keep doing what we do, and it will have its growth.
A church should embody life. It should bring out life, whether in good times or bad times. And it should continue the road by walking with the Lord every step of the way. As long as we're living, and as He continues His Kingdom work on Earth, we continue the road.
How do we do that? I've learned and compiled these points:
1. Worship.
Let's come to ourselves always in praising and worshipping God, not just only in songs but also in everything we do. Worship is everything.
2. Act.
Let's be ready to act in whatever situation calls us to do as a church. Let everything we do reflect God's glory. Let it shine through us.
3. Love.
God is love. And by default, we should, too. Whatever love He has shown us, we do the same to others. Everyone deserves to be given the kind of love He has for us. We're His creation, and we're created with love.
4. Keep on.
There's no other way but forward when we see the road horizontally, up when we see it vertically. Keep on until we victoriously fulfilled our mission.
To end, I like how one pointed out the things he loves to see when he visits a church. And here's my take on those points:
* A church that can effectively lead others to His loving grace
* A church that really blesses others
* A church that can endure for future generations to come
* A church that's all about Jesus
* A church that challenges one to be better each day
* A church where each one's worship and fellowship are authentic
It also points me to one novelist who describes the church, as mentioned in the Scriptures, as a loving household, a living organism, a corporate expression of Christ, and a community of the King. When it functions this way, it offers interdependence, wholeness, participation, connectedness, solidarity, spontaneity, relationship, servitude, enrichment, freedom, community, and bonding.
There's no room for hate, canceling, or even politics or power. There's room for love, care, comfort, service, and hope for those who need it the most.
These ones make us become the church God called us to be. And it's my hope for that.
Nice Earl!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
ReplyDelete