WHEN LIFE IN THE CHURCH ARISES

Churches come and churches go.  Many open with a prayer and end with one.  Some are vibrant and alive while others are dingy and listless.

What makes the difference?

Caring for others is surely to be found in defining the differences for we get such a call from the heart and walk of Jesus.  Anyone who is a part of the church, yet cares only for self, is both unhappy as well as completely unfulfilled.

Dorothy Sayers wrote that the sin of our times is the sin that believes in nothing, cares for nothing, seeks to know nothing, interferes with nothing, enjoys nothing, hates nothing, finds purpose in nothing, lives for nothing, and remains alive because there is nothing for which it will die.

Church is not structured to please the people.  It is the body of Christ called to die for the very people who despise and would abuse us.  We are not called to enjoy; although the Holy Spirit would bear such great fruit.  We are called to die; die to our whims, our wishes, our wants, our satisfactions.

Ah, I speak as if I know stuff.  Surely we all know better.

I merely point us in an ever-needed direction to remind us that Jesus was at his best when hanging out with the worst.  He died an unfair death after a manipulated trial.  We are called to follow; but in safe America this is difficult for us to take in...my opinion.

Yet, I believe it to be true.  When life in the church arises it is always due to those who would give themselves away for the greater cause of another.