As the head of the Church, Christ should be the focus of all we do and teach in community. Scripture is our foundational text, and as we read it with Christ in mind, we naturally grow in our understanding of God’s overarching purpose from the beginning.
Working in the harmony of Trinity, we witness the outcome of his creation and the desire to share both creation and the relationship of the godhead with us. Sin messed up the plan but did not derail it completely, as God provided the solution through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.
Being in relationship with a holy God requires a sinless state, and this would never be possible without the work of Christ for our redemption. On this side of eternity, the church serves as his instrument of instruction and accountability.
C.S. Lewis wrote:
The Church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ, to make them little Christs. If they are not doing that, all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, even the Bible itself, are simply a waste of time.
Richard J. Foster and James Bryan Smith, editors: Devotional Classics: Selected Readings for Individuals and Groups. Quote from C. S. Lewis.
A church whose members do not reflect the attitude and character of Christ fails. The size is immaterial and the activities meaningless if, as Lewis says, her people are not drawn to Christ and growing in his image.
It was obvious that Barnabas and Saul knew where to focus. Luke tells us:
So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
Acts 11:26 NIV
If the word Christian were not yet in the dictionary, would the people in your community use it to describe the people of your church? Are they hearing about Christ from you? Are they seeing, not you, but Christ interacting with others?
If not, maybe it’s time to talk with your church’s leadership about reexamining your purpose. Take time to pray for your church and her leaders today.
Grace and Peace