What images or word pictures come to your mind when you hear the word, “church”? How do you view the church? How important is the church to you? When you think about your faith do you think first and foremost about your “personal” faith and experience? Do you think primarily about how things affect you and then think of the church? Is the church essential or is it secondary? These are important questions because consciously or unconsciously they have a direct bearing on your involvement in the life of your church.
It is undeniable that the church is important to the Lord Jesus. He gave his life for her. The church is his bride. We consistently read in the Scripture that Christ died for the church. You do not need any greater motivation – you should love the church because Christ loves the church. It is that simple. Further we are to love as Christ loves. That means “warts and all.” Christ loves the church in spite of its weaknesses and failures. In spite of its inconsistency and stubbornness. No, the church isn’t perfect. Yes, it is often the source of disappointment and frustration but we are still commanded to love the church. Not just the concept of church. Not just the idea of church but the folks who sit in the pew with you. The folks whose names appear on the roll. So I have to ask, “Do you love the church?”
It is an important question and one that demands an answer. Oh, and actions speak louder than words. More about that later. I hope to see you Sunday.
Rod