A friend posted this question on Facebook, "What should the church look like?" So I've been pondering this question.
My first reaction was "it should look like Jesus" but that seemed too simple of an answer - or maybe too expected. As I've been away from my home church for a couple months now, I've had some time to think about this question and about what kind of church I want to be a part of. These have been hard months for various reasons. Someday I may be able to share more, but I don't have enough space and healing to do that yet.
I picked up the book "Disappointment with God" by Philip Yancey (author of "What's So Amazing About Grace" and "The Jesus I Never Knew;" pretty much anything he writes resonates with me - it's weird, I think he can read my mind, though we've never met). I opened the book to a random page and read about how a friend of Philips had asked him "Where is God? Show me, I want to see him." Philip knew that at least part of the answer was to look at the people who belong to him - they are his "body," the "body of Christ." But we all know the trouble with this and Philip quotes Nietzsche, "
His disciples will have to look more saved if I am to believe in their Savior." So Philip thinks about Mother Teresa, maybe if his friend could look at her, then he would believe. His friend does not know Mother Teresa, but he does know Philip. Philip concludes, my friend "will probably never hear a voice from a whirlwind that drowns out all questions. He will likely never get a personal glimpse of God in this life. He will only see me." Sobering thought. (pg. 157)
As I reflected on this "coincidental" passage it occurs to me that God has sent His people into my life to be His hands and feet many times (and me into theirs). People who have ministered, challenged, encouraged, comforted, corrected, loved, and on and on. These have all been conduits of the Holy Spirit. The most powerful moments I have experienced have come at times of great weakness when others have ministered to me and I knew God was RIGHT THERE! It happened again this morning as I wept and a friend prayed for me. I was comforted by His "blessed assurance," Jesus was there.
So, "What should the church look like?" It looks like that. Grace and mercy flowing. The Holy Spirit invited and active. Soft hearts before God asking to be molded and shaped more into His image. People dying to self and living in Christ. "Church" isn't about buildings or denominations or worship styles or even religion (unless it's the Isaiah 58 kind).
It's the people of God, being transformed by God and living out God's love on earth. I think my first reaction was right - it's Jesus.
Having said that, you need to know that I'm wrestling with Him right now. I know its OK to wrestle because the Holy Spirit reminded me of all the wrestlers in the Bible that I hadn't paid attention to before. In fact I believe He is inviting me into it. I think He knows I have some things I need to let Him have, if you know what I mean. I have often counseled people to tell God whatever was in their heart, even if it wasn't nice. "He has big shoulders," is a favorite line of mine. It's time I take my own advice.
And in the meantime, I know that the
people of God in my life (my
church) will continue to be Jesus to me in ways I desperately need. I hope I am that to some of them as well.
until next time
...and the greatest of these is love
Gina
