Monday Morning Thoughts about Church: For those who love Jesus, but are not so sure about His church.

I recently had a conversation with a person who has “had it with the church.”  He lamented the nit-picking, the back-biting, the old guard who were stubborn and selfish, the "1950's mentality – and well, he has had it!  He will find God elsewhere! When a church is not all that we expect it to be, the temptation to “look for God elsewhere” is understandable. But is it right?

Would Jesus, the Bridegroom and Head of the church, favor a churchless Christianity?  In short - - NO.  At her best and at her worst, Jesus loves his church. He  laid down his life for her (John 10:11). He will never leave or forsake her (Hebrews 13:5). He will complete the work he started in her (Philippians 1:6). In other words, Jesus knows nothing about having more of God by having less of the church. To the contrary, Jesus is married to the church. The church is his chosen, beloved Wife.  Jesus has chosen to love us, warts, bad attitudes, stubborn, and hypocritical as we are - - He chooses to love us! 

What does it say about us if the church is good enough for the Father to adopt, for the Spirit to inhabit, and for Jesus to marry…but not good enough for us to remain committed to?  If the church is good enough for Jesus - - even with all her flaws - - She is good enough for you, and more than that - - you need the church.  You see, as we live in community with one another, we grow in the knowledge and experience of God by being with others who bear his image. As we learn from and rub off on one another we become better, more whole, more Christ-like, and ultimately – more useful to the will and purposes of God.  In fact – it is for the very imperfections of the church that Christ has put us together.  Hebrews says we are together to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, Hebrews 10:24,25:

"And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near"

If you are dissatisfied or disillusioned with the local church, don’t leave it. If the church stinks to you, then make it better. Pray for it. Bless it. Serve it. Love it.