I had a conversation with a friend last week. He is a pastor from another denomination. One very different from ours in some respects but nonetheless a brother in Christ whom I love greatly. We had not seen each other in awhile so I made a point to go by and see him and we sat in his office and had a great visit. We talked about the church in general, about family, about our churches in particular. It was nice. We were not trying to solve the problems of the church or the world. We just talked. I did notice something after I left. I noticed that I did not have to fight or resist the urge to “defend” my turf. I didn’t need to explain why certain things were as they are, justify what we do or argue for why we don’t do certain things. My first thought was of how great it was to have a friend who did not judge me or gaze at me with a critical eye. Just a friend who loves and accepts me as I am. But then I realized that while that was true – that wasn’t really it.
I think it has more to do with me and my views. Views that are changing due, in no small part, to our study of Revelation on Sunday mornings. I’m seeing the church differently. The church is not an enterprise to be marketed or a cause to be defended. Nor is it an idea to be championed. The church is a body to be loved, cherished, and nurtured. The church is a group of flawed individuals covenanted together clinging to the grace of God and seeking to live out their faith together. As such the church is not perfect. There are often inconsistencies and we usually say more than we live. While we must seek to correct one another and spur one another on to love and good deeds – that’s not to be done in anger or with an air of superiority. It is to be done in humility through tears.
I guess one of the things I’m learning is that the church is worth weeping over. If I’ve learned nothing else it’s pretty clear the Lord of the church will not be patient forever with His church. He says things like, “I will remove your lamp stand” or “I will come and war against you.” He expects repentance and faithfulness. Now when I notice things that are not “right” in the church (meaning the church at large) I no longer get angry, I hurt. My heart breaks. But I have to admit…it hurts pretty good! Maybe I’m starting to resemble my Father.
I’m going to be gone this Sunday, July 20th. Vance Wiley will be preaching in my place but I’ll be back on the 27th. I’ll see you then.
Rod