The Church

Today my pastor spoke about why we should love and honor the church*. This is another subject that has been growing on me for some time. A few years ago, I didn't think I needed church. I certainly didn't want to go to church....all those people to deal with - ugh.

But like so many other ways that God has changed my heart, I have been led to church. Aside from being a great place for the kids, my church has awesome worship (singing / praying) and a smart, well-spoken pastor who is crazy in love with Jesus. But, yes. There are still all those people. And we all know that anyplace where humans are working together, there are going to be problems. It's our nature.

Mostly, I have felt called to immerse myself in the church in order to serve. Yes, I love to sing and worship. And I do relish, enjoy and love being with believers who worship Him in truth and in spirit. Yes, I want to be fed and taught spiritually. But I have always had a heart for service, and that is what has been the driving force in my church involvement.

It has not been because I love and honor the church.

But I got a better idea today about why I should love and honor the church: because God does. There are multiple places in scripture where the church is described as the bride of Christ. Also, the body of Christ. My pastor explained that Jesus fulfills his work here on earth now through the church. We are the representatives of Jesus on earth. The position of the church is as co-heir to the inheritance of heaven along with Jesus.

That is intense.

It is also pretty convicting for a few reasons:
1.) I haven't been honoring the church in my heart.
2.) Don't know that I've been such a shining representative.

So, I'll pray and ponder about this. I think I have a better grasp on the relationship between the church and God, which (God willing) will help me have a better relationship with the church.

*Universal Church = all true believers and followers on Jesus