WE are the church. A living breathing organism. This place we go to gather together is just the building. A place WE THE CHURCH go to get filled up, discipled, trained and equipped to BE THE CHURCH. We can build up or tear down with the words we say and the actions we choose. We can peak curiosity about Jesus or snuff out any hope there is a God by how we treat others who are searching or who are maybe even in the middle of becoming His.

We can repel even the hardiest of souls if the only thing we are about is the 4 walls and the branding of the building and its people. Who knows who in the ministry world or who was raised in church or who never attended should not define who can minister and who cannot. Christ didn’t ask credentials of those he surrounded himself with; he was concerned with their hearts. It should not be about jockeying for position or title within the ranks of the Christ lead kingdom. Even He said who ever is first shall be last and whoever is last shall be first. Meekness, humility, surrender within the kingdom is the currency HE uses to promote. We say the world is only about itself; well for far too long so has the business of the Church been only about itself.

God has been speaking this message loudly to anyone who will listen. I for one have heard and understood the implications of what we the church have done. How very little we and our families will be prepared for what is to come. It’s time to take our families back to the wonder and awe of HIS holiness and sovereignty. To repent of the idol we have made of the building and its people. Repent of making servants into celebrities and sanctuaries into auditoriums. We have spent far too long turning alters into stages where those charged with worship of our king were given accolades for the gift HE gave. We have wasted precious time applauding pastors who are busy spreading a feel good message they crafted instead of the gospel of Jesus imparted by HIM to them because they have spent time in preparation with him. Instead, we go about patting them on the back for the “great word” instead of insisting they bring “THE WORD”. The only word that unshackles feet, untangles minds, and breaks the chains of bondage.

Its time to turn our wicked hearts back to him in humble adoration. Bow our stiff necks and bend our knees in prayer until we see his kingdom represented in ourselves once again. Let us be the BEST representation of Jesus. All the good things he is…giver of love, bringer of hope, healer of the sick, deliverer of souls. Lets share our joy as we share about him, create a space of peace for people to experience Him; his healing, his salvation, his redemption and restoration, and most of all let us be patient in all situations and with all people, everywhere. 

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its flavor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16

I for one want to remain salty and light filled so that I may bring glory to Him. I want to radiate his goodness, mercy, peace, grace, love…all the things he is. Will I always get it right? No, and when I fall I hope there will be other faith filled believers there to pick me up, dust me off and set me back on the path of righteousness. Pointing out the author and perfecter of my faith when I cannot see and steering me back to the word and His truth to guide my path and keep me from stumbling.

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