11 March 2010

Do you love the Church?

A friend of mine recently posted on his blog that lately he doesn't much like going to church, and he is in full-time ministry.  I can relate to his feeling because churches can sometimes seem so dysfunctional, and the members can sometimes be so messed up and even mean.   The following is a slightly adapted version of my comment in response. 
Christianity is not about feelings, it is about Truth.  We have to act in accordance with our truth commitments despite what we feel.
So, what is true in this matter?
Well, God's Word says in Hebrews 10:25 not to neglect meeting together.  Why?  So we can stir one another up to love and good deeds and encourage one another.  I know that, unfortunately, the churches we know today do not do these things.  But, you cannot help improve something unless you take part in it.  And, it is still a command.
Another thing that is true is that you cannot say you love Jesus if you do not love His Bride, the church, and all your fellow members thereof.  John the Apostle, speaking to the Church, writes of this in his first epistle. (I John 2:10-11; 3:10; 4:7-8). 
Marriage is a useful analogy here.  In marriage, there are many times that you don't feel "in love" with your spouse, that you don't feel like being around the one you have committed your life to.  But, having made a commitment, you choose to love that person anyway.  You choose to do what is best for him/her. 
There is certainly a lot that is broken in our modern Church.  Jesus knew that, but He loved us anyway.  How can we do any less?

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