Many people have complaints about the church today. It surprises some that I share many of those same frustrations and critiques. And so some will wonder why I'd continue to be a part of such an imperfect institution.
The answer is pretty simple. First, there are no perfect groups. If I left the church because of its imperfection, guess what I'd find anywhere else. Not even the first group Jesus started his church with was perfect. More importantly, I'm convinced the church is God's wisdom. Through our shared faith, the body of Christ lives and shares the peace of Christ with the world. We're not a non-profit organization. We're a prophetic people called to love and serve like Jesus. And we are at our best when we allow our love of God to guide how we care for others.
Over the years, I've read a lot of church-growth literature. Often, it's business talk wrapped in a church banner. In all our focus on numbers, programs and relevance, something gets overlooked. We forget the heart of our mission: loving and showing compassion for our communities. That's never quick or efficient enough for us. More lasers, please.
Even Julian the Apostate, nephew to Constantine the Great and a pagan emperor who sought to revive paganism, knew something about the church we sometimes neglect. He once wrote to one of his priests about the growth of the Christian Church. He knew how Christians devoted themselves to acts of service and charity. They not only took care of and supported their own, but they also sought to care for the poor among the pagans. Julian even told his priest to act more like the Christians. This was a part of the church's early reputation.
What do you think happened?
Still, with all our imperfections, when the church focuses on loving God and loving neighbor, no matter who they are, the world will see God and the church differently.Stay blessed...john | 
No comments:
Post a Comment