The Body of Christ

I think we miss the point.  We try bigger, better, and different.  There is something around the corner that will be "the next best thing" and we don't want to miss it.  Our churches are not immune to this problem.  Churches have become commercialized, always trying to sell us on one thing or another.  Missing grace and forgiveness in exchange for prosperity gospel and entertaining us in worship.  We have begun to "worship the worship" as Joanna Weaver says in her book The Lazarus Awakening.  We forget to let the main thing be the main thing.  Our salvation and faith have become self centered in our belief that by some miracle my decision to believe that Christ died for me can actually get me into heaven.

A man died yesterday.  He spent 90+ years siting in the same spot at our church.  90 years!  There was no "bigger, better or different" thing.  There was the body of Christ at that small church.  Whether his faith was shaken, he didn't want to get up, or he didn't like the pastor, he still showed up.  Yes, he was a sinful man.  We all are.  But what amazes me about 90+ years is that he remained rooted in Christ's love.  You sit down and remain rooted in Christ's love.  You will always be looking for the next best thing if you can't sit still long enough to hear God speak to you.  God speaks love in the good times and the bad. We are asked sometimes to just remain seated.  God does not provide comfort at every turn.  You may want to squirm in your seat, but if you are rooted in the love of Christ you will remain.

and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love.  Eph 3:17