A healthy church (1)

Even though the Church is meant to reflect God here on earth, we can, and do, still let one another other down. If there is serious, negative stuff going on inside a church, it's important to seek help or (safely, and graciously) call out the wrongs and talk things through.

But sometimes, sadly, it's the little things that occupy our thoughts and build up irritations with fellow believers. Things like the quality of the coffee, that song the worship leader played again, or the preacher who never quite gets to the point. Sounds a bit like being in a family... which is what we are as Christians, part of the family of God. We're created to live in community, with all its challenges and irritations, and if our preferences distract us and cause resentment, we're missing the point.

Paul wrote that the Church is the 'Body of Christ' and that 'each one of you is a part of it' (1 Corinthians 12:27 NIV). He also said we all 'fall short of the glory of God' (Romans 3:23 NIV). Together, those two verses tell us that, exactly like a body, the eternal Church and each individual church here on earth take work and understanding to stay healthy. All of us, then, should be working to build churches that look more and more like Jesus.



So what now? Take it back to the basics. Grab some friends, get together to worship, chat through Scripture and share a meal together. That is where the Church starts.





— SCRIPTURE —

'All of you together are Christ's body.' 1 Corinthians 12:27 NLT
— SOULFOOD —

2 Sam 22:31-24:25, John 4:13-26, Ps 32 , Pro 23:29-35