What do You Like Most About the Church?
John Osborne
As I sit writing this blog, I can hear a collection of birds singing in the trees just outside. There must be well over a hundred birds outside and they appear to enjoy being together. They are rather communicative and chatty. It has been going on for well over 30 minutes, at least (I have increased the above time more than once as the birds have continued to sing). I am amazed that they have persisted and not flown off.
It reminds me of a question that I recently asked a teenager. I asked, “What do you like most about church?” I was surprised to hear his quick response. Without hesitation he expressed, “the community.” I then asked his sister the same question to which she responded affirmatively, “probably the same thing.”
It’s important that we ask ourselves some reflective questions from time to time. Let me ask you, “What do you like most about your church?” Yes, I know the “church” is a body of believers, a spiritual family and it’s not a physical building, denomination or organization. But even with that definition, what do you like most about your church? What do you appreciate the most about the Body of Christ?
After you have answered that question, and I would encourage you to answer it before continuing, there is another question that deserves some thought. Ask yourself, “Where can I add value to make the church even better? What can I do, or what role can I play, to help others appreciate and value the church even more?”
Romans 12:4-8 tell us this:
“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
What a tremendous picture. God desires for all of us to use our gifts for the benefit of the Body of Christ, His Church. When we each play our part and we do it with humility, the Church can flourish and be a healthy blessing to one another and beyond.