A couple weeks ago I posted a question about the church. Actually it was a phrase that read "When I hear the word church..." There were (7) options from which to choose:
I want to regurgitate.
I envision social justice.
I view people talking about God.
I crave community.
I picture people in pews.
I reflect on covenant.
I think of my family.
All of the choices may be individually or simultaneously plausible on some level depending on one's understanding and experience of church. Hoping to receive an "initial reaction" or to at least stimulate more thought I chose to disable the option allowing one to give multiple answers. Now I am much more curious about the thought process. You may offer an explanation of your survey answer or simply respond to the question:
What do you think when you hear the word "church?"
Matthew 5:38-48, NASB
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone want to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only you brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
6 comments:
A bunch of people lost in the wilderness
nice, joe. go on...
My eyes well up but for two very different reasons. The first is a sense of gratitude. I owe much to the body of Christ. They prayed for me when I wandered away, they have prayed for and supported me when searching for my purpose, they gave me chances to explore what I could do and oppurtunities to lead and serve.
I also see how the church is distorted and fails at its calling. I yearn for what I see in Acts and for the people who call themselves followers of Christ to love and devote themselves to each other.
what does it look like if we love and devote ourselves to one another?
I guess it seems to me that the Church doesn't all have the same priorities or nmission, and without unified mission, it looks like there are cool things going on over here and some other cool things going on over here, each involved in their own mission or project, and are ignoring and sometimes harming the missions or projects of the other people.
That's what I see.
Church: one body of believers in Christ. I immediately think of the church universal. Perhap because I am not affiliated with a denomination and have friends and acquaintances from various denomininations. My best friends are Catholic and their congregation is always warm and inviting. I really feel blessed to be accepted by so many who have identified with a denomination. Yet, they seem to understand that their is one Savior for all and we all bleong to His Church.
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