I'm generally inclined to dislike meetings, and I don't particularly enjoy being around or in large groups of people. I'm really an introvert who is generally uncomfortable in large groups. Why do I go to church?
To many, "going to church" is like going to a club meeting, a venue of public entertainment with a religious/spiritual flavor, or an obligatory "to-do" done out of habit, obligation, or both. This is probably why many people stop going. Church leadership vigorously attempts to attract people to come - or to come more regularly - but without the desired results. I'm convinced that in the majority of cases this is because of a faulty starting point. No amount of exciting programs, good music, free coffee, or other attractions can make up for a faulty starting point. If I don't have the right starting point when it comes to how I understand the church, I might as well just go to a movie, see a motivational speaker, or any number of things when I want a lift, community, or excitement.
This past Lord's Day (for the uninitiated this is also known as "Sunday") the sermon dealt with the subject of church. Quite simply, (and I'm going to put this as simply as I can), "going to church" should not been seen as "going to a building we call a 'church' in the hopes of 'getting something' out of it. Instead, "going to church" should be seen as "going to BE the church."
Why? Scripture speaks of the "church" in a way that is not limited to a physical building with four walls and a roof. The "church" is a local physical manifestation of Christ's body on Earth. Even so, GOD is the focus, not ourselves. He is the only being anywhere at any time who is actually worthy of worship. As a local manifestation of Christ's body on Earth, this does not mean that we, the people gathered, are divine. We are Christ's body in a mystical way. There is something special when believers, united by faith in Christ and faithfulness to the covenant, come together corporately for worship - as Christ's body, for divine worship. As such, this group of people are united in a very special way that is much different than coming together for any other meeting.
The church is also spoken of in Scripture as the "bride" of Christ. Wow. This puts special meaning on not just the faithfulness and love we should have to Christ as our mystical husband, but also reminds us of the importance of marriage - and more specifically our own marriages! Christ is faithful to His church. I should be faithful to my wife. Christ cares for His church. I should care for my wife. Christ loves the church. I should love my wife as Christ loves the church! God uses pictures and symbols all throughout Scripture to get truth into our heads and righteousness into our actions. I'm only touching the surface. When I understand the Scriptural presentation of marriage as an analogy/picture of Christ and His church, marriage is filled with meaning - and becomes much much more than a contract between two people who care about each other and may or may not want to raise a family. How could a marriage EVER be hum-drum if I understand it as Scripture presents it? It is a tremendous responsibility, but it is also a tremendous joy. When I understand church in this way, church becomes exciting, rich, and special - as does marriage.
These things are not new to me. I've read alot of theology - and for those who want to know, this subject in particular would be properly under the subgroup of theology known as ecclesiology. However, just like being told "I love you" by my wife or kids, hearing these truths and thinking about these truths repeatedly and consistently is important. Sometimes I need to be reminded - and with the reminder comes a refreshing that wakes up my lazy mind and heart.
No comments:
Post a Comment