Scriptural
Reference:
"Is it a time
for you yourselves to live in your panelled houses, while this house
lies in ruins? ... You expected much, but it turned out to be little.
When you brought it home, I ruined it. Why? This is the declaration
of the Lord of Armies. Because my house still lies in ruins, while
each of you is busy with his own house"
Haggai 1:4, 9
"Do you not know
that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom
you
have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at
a price. Therefore
honour God with your bodies."
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
"So then, as
we have opportunity, let us do 'good to everyone', and especially
to those who
are of the household of faith"
Galatians 6:10
"Love one another
with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honour"
Romans 12:10
Reflection:
What is the Church of God? Can we measure its' dimensions? Can we count
the number of bricks used in making the Church? What materials were
used in building the Church?
These are important
questions with unusual answers. What I'd like to do is to answer these
questions by dissecting the answer. Doing this into three areas so as
to reveal how it takes all three areas or answers to understand what
today's post modern church is.
The three parts
for consideration are the Body of the Church, the mind of the Church
and the Spirit f the Church. Understandably the body would be the physical
aspects. While the mind may be the logical intent of the church within
the world. As the spirit of the church is the manifestation of the Holy
Spirit both within the church community and the community.
Body: Let's
take a moment to consider the physical aspect or properties of the church.
There is of course the actual church building. That which is constructed
from brick, mortar, glass, metal and clay. We can easily measure this
with conventional tools such as tape measures. We can count the number
of bricks and panes of glass required to create the building that pilgrims
with meet to worship God. We can count the various plants that have
been arranged in the garden. All of which will need regular maintenance.
Someone to ensure the plants are correctly watered and tended. Along
with some to take care that the building is free of any serious defects.
Then of course
there is the actual congregation of pilgrims or Christians. This is
also a physical aspect of the church or body of Christ. Do you think
we could convince them to stay still long enough so we can measure them?
How tall they are? How many men to women ration? Are any a little over
weight? While some might look like they could use a decent feed? Are
some wearing the latest clothes. While others are turn up in somewhat
drab hand me downs? The Bile tells us a significant bit of encouragement
and teachings on how we need to care for this aspect of the body of
the church in the same way as we do the actual building. Because it's
this physical aspect that the world will see. As it represents the over
all church of Christ in the world.
Mind: The
mindset of the church is vital. The world will be quick to find fault
if there are any divisions within the church. Where we read in 1 Peter
3:8. Regarding the need to be of one mind;
"Finally,
all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another;
love as brothers, be tender-hearted, be courteous"
We can see this
need as a crucial part of the body of Christ. If we are of one mind
then we will not argue over scripture. Or perhaps over any other matter
that could cause division with the church. Thus leading to a weakening
of the connection we have with the Holy Spirit. So in all of these various
tasks we need to regularly perform a maintenance on how we view and
interact with each other. Are we ready to openly discus the Bible amongst
each other? As we seek to better understand God's will and purpose in
both our own lives and that of His church? Or are we too ready to try
and dominate with our own concerns. While constantly finding fault with
others? Do we accept gossip abut others without first asking the person
involved about the matter? Yes these things can be found in any community.
Yet within a Christian community they should not be allowed to fester.
In the same way as weeds are not allowed to grow and thrive among the
flowers in the garden; Christians. Need to weed out any adverse discourse
that if left to grow will slowly choke the members. To a point they
now longer can think straight.
Spirit:
This leads us to the spirit of the church and or body of Christ. We
are truly blessed as we have given the gift of the Holy Spirit. God's
comfort and guide through this difficult world. With the Holy Spirit
we are able to connect directly to God's voice and will in our lives.
Within Corinthians we read about just how important the spirit is for
our spiritual health;
"For we were
all baptised by one Spirit so as to form one body—
whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given
the
one Spirit to drink"
We are encouraged
to stay united as one in both mind and spirit. To put this into context
as Christian's; Being of one mind and spirit as Christians entails having
a common goal, mindset, and love that is focused on Jesus the Christ
and is distinguished by humility and compassion rather than just structural
consistency. It entails experiencing the communion of the Holy Spirit,
putting others before ourselves, and bringing our views into line with
Scripture.
So let's take these
three aspects and bring them together. We have the body, the mind and
the spirit of the church of Christ. We can measure just about all aspects
of these while ensuring they are well tended and present Christ's church
to the world as as safe well tended structure of worship and praise.
One that represents our Saviour while declaring the Gospel to the world.
As shown through our lives and the way we live in one mind and one spirit.
Prayer:
Lord, As we live
the life you have blessed us with,
May we always
strive to be healthy in body,
Not given to excesses in food or drink.
May we always strive
to be of one mind.
Abiding in peace with each other through grace.
May we listen to
the Holy Spirit's guidance.
As we fellowship together in the joy of your word.
And in all things
that make up your body here on earth.
May we live as you have taught us to live, in your love.