Why does the universal church have a "take it or leave it" kind of reputation today in the world? Why is there so much skepticism from believers and non-believers alike? Why the intolerance tag? Why do people like Rosie O'Donnell make statements like, "9.11 is the Christians fault. The Christians are the terrorists (not the Muslims who attacked the World Trade Towers and the Pentagon)?" Why has the church lost its influence in the US, Great Britain, Europe, the Middle East (where it all began)?
Okay, you could point to a few scandals in the US in recent years like the Catholic priests' molestation of young boys (and girls). Or you could bring up Ted Haggard, Jim and Tammy Baker, Jimmy Swaggert, Gordon McDonald among others' sexual and financial indiscretions. It could be Oral Roberts' 900 foot tall Jesus. There are plenty of other illustrations, including the dogmatism in the religious right movement and the militant actions of a few that bombed abortion clinics or murdered doctors who performed abortions.
There's no doubt that's bad press for the church. But perhaps the loss of favoritism and contagion lies someplace else. Maybe the church has ceased to be the church as described here in Colossians 3. What would happen if just a church, one single church would recapture the heart and image of the church portrayed by the Apostle Paul? What would the impact of such a church have on their neighborhood, community, region?
Did you catch the adjectives or character traits of such a church? Look again, clothed in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; forgiveness and encouragement the order of the day; love and harmony enveloping the culture; thankfulness reigning in each heart. And if that weren't enough, this church would allow God's Word to dwell in, flow from, permeate their hearts, minds, attitudes, actions and speech. Songs of praise, adoration, encouragement and exhortation would resonate from their midst. As one would come into contact with the individuals from this church on a daily basis, one would experience the hands, the arms, the embrace, the very presence and compassion of Jesus. Now that church would really make an impact!
God, I long for that church. I want my church to be that church. I want people to experience Christ and His Word dwelling in us. God, I know that starts with me. I know you and your Word has to dwell in me. Your compassion, love and mercy has to consume me and exude from my pores. God, I need your spirit to come alive in me. Help me be a catalyst for my church to be this church.
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