The other day I was thinking about how blessed churches are
that have nice buildings. This is not a prerequisite to worship—that is a
matter of the heart (John 4:24). Nor should churches be evaluated on the basis
of their facilities. We have all been to ecclesiastical grave yards with
beautiful walnut pews. My point is simply that those churches that are
blessed to have buildings should not take them and the many blessings they can
bring for granted. When we dedicated our building more than seven years
ago, I said the following. These words are still an encouragement to me
and I hope, to you as well.
Because this building belongs to God,
Take care of it—all of us, not just those who wield a mop or
a paint brush.
Because this building is founded on the blood of Jesus,
--invite lost people to it so they may here meet Christ and
be cleansed.
Because this building is a place where people encounter the
true and living God,
--Don’t ever make a worthless idol out of it—it’s brick and
mortar.
Because this building exists to exalt God’s name,
--be careful how you live in this world—people who see you
enter this building will, for well or ill, associate this place with you--the depth
of your love for Christ and your joy in the Lord.
Because this building was given by God to enable people to
know Him better,
--Do the necessary heart preparation work at home so when
you come here you will be hungry and excited to know Him.
Because this building serves as a hospital for warriors who
have been wounded,
--when you come here don’t pretend you are doing just fine, if
you have a fiery dart sticking in you--and keep an eye out to help others who
have been hurt in the raging battle.
Because this building is owned by God who is love,
Keep the fights between you and the enemy, not with people
who wear the blood of Jesus.
Because this building serves as a militant base of
operations for God’s army,
--come with your armor on or at least a willingness to be
equipped for a war, not a game.
Because this building serves as a house of prayer,
--come with a pleading and God-dependent heart that will, to
God, make this place smell of incense.
Because this building serves as a sending station for those
who have been called to the nations with the gospel,
--always be ready and willing to hear your missionary call
to go, and to help in any way you can others who have heard their call.
Because this building serves as an academy for believers to hear
truth at the Master’s feet,
--come as an energetic learner who delights in homework-most
of this work is done outside of class.
Because this building serves as an equipping station for
discipleship—
--don’t spend too much time here—most of the action is out
there.
AND FINALLY…
Because the people of God gather here—
--come to be an active part of a genuine Christian
community—we only work the way we are supposed to when we work together as a
team—with no star players and one divine coach.
No comments:
Post a Comment