I don't know how many times I've heard Christians say that they don't think you have to go to church to be a Christian. While their theology is correct at the most base level, the truth is that most the time people who think that are not affirming the requirements of faith in the risen Lord, but they are validating their lack of commitment to Christ and the purpose he has for us in this world (I think this is where I would plug the "just saying" line).
While I think this is a valid concern to address, I want to focus these thoughts towards believers who do commit themselves to a local church in attendance and participation. Through all of our efforts, plans, and schemes, Christianity has developed a culture within the non-profit world in what is called para-church organizations. These are typically the "faith-based" organizations that we will donate funds and time to in support of their pursuit of some mission. A few examples would be food banks, Compassion, and even faith-based private institutions like Bible colleges.
I want to clarify that I think these organizations are definitely a manifestation of genuine believers expressing obedience to following Christ whole-heartedly. However, a cumbersome issue arises out of the subtle transition some people make to supporting these organizations more than the church. I'm not just talking about time and money that people may volunteer and donate; but the foundation of commitment that people are persuaded to give.
The local church, as Bill Hybels coined, is the hope of world. There is something about the local church that is anointed as the body of Christ above all else. The local church is a place where people from all generations, backgrounds, political perspectives, and income levels can come together under one common purpose of worshiping Christ and discipling one another. This cannot happen as Christ intended it in any other setting. Not a college ministry, a Bible study, a rescue mission, or any other place that pursues the work of love, because it is simply an incomplete expression of the message of Christ, possibly effective and life-changing, but still incomplete.
My purpose in writing this is simply to ask you to consider the importance of the local church in your endeavors to honor Christ. Because the shift away from this biblical truth can happen so subtly it can often go unnoticed to those closest to you and even yourself. This post is meant to serve as a type of guardrail, because as we work for Christ there will always be opportunities to compromise the message of Christ, whether that is in our words or our actions. I've personally seen ministry leaders, department heads, and even presidents of Christ-centered organizations lose their way in this matter. And in all honesty, the biggest indicator of a healthy allegiance to the body of Christ is the conversations that happen behind closed doors, which makes it very hard to identify others who struggle with this.
So, constantly evaluate and examine your motives and commitments as you pursue obedience to Christ. Try to invite someone in to the most private parts of your life and give them the authority to question your decisions and motives in hopes to keep you honest and committed first to Christ and his church, and then your own goals.
"Crush the boxes, break the frames, dance off rhythm, don't be tamed"
No comments:
Post a Comment