MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron
[After several months of studying the life of Jesus, we saw that His parting commission was to build the Church. With the directive to Peter, “Feed my sheep”, Christ’s Church was established. We’ve also looked at the importance of showing love in the church and finding unity despite differences. In 1 Corinthians chapters 12, 13, and 14 we are told that there’s no value in efforts without love. The following is adapted from an article first published June 25, 2020, during COVID-19 lockdowns, regarding the Church.]
Others may be comfortable with sitting home watching online preaching and music. It’s true there is an invisible church, and we are part of a spiritual Kingdom. So, a pandemic or any other catastrophe will not destroy or deter the work of the Church. There’s also the visible church, with buildings and people who gather for the common purpose of worshiping God.
As one who didn’t go to church until I was 11, I love the church. Since that first invitation to Vacation Bible School, I’ve attended worship services in sanctuaries, a lodge hall, storefront, school building, under the stars, and sitting on the steps of a temple overlooking the Mount of Olives. Almost every Sunday, I find a place to meet with other believers. A friend of ours talks of “how much I miss my people” if they can’t go to church.
The Scripture says, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
The apostle John was approaching 90 years of age when he wrote the Book of Revelation. “On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet” (Revelation 1:10). Exiled to the Isle of Patmos, John was still “in church” that day when a powerful vision was given to him. He saw the risen Christ walking among seven golden lampstands and carrying seven stars. John was given the interpretation: “The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches” (Revelation 1:20). In this passage, God specifically centers both worship and witness in the church. The glory of the church is to serve as a light to the world.
As Christ left earth as a man, the Spirit of God had come upon the church at Pentecost, purifying and enabling it to be the visible body of Christ. Jesus in John 8:12 said, “‘I am the light of the world’” and then told his followers, “‘you are the light of the world’” (Matthew 5:14). There have been times over the centuries that the light has been darkened by materialism, heresy, compromise, or worse. Yet over and over, the church has been revived and cleansed of its spiritual shabbiness, shining forth God’s mercy and grace with appealing warmth.
Since my first attendance as an eleven-year-old, I have come to rely on church as my strong foundation of compassion and trust. Here are some benefits of meeting together.
• In a church setting, we’re challenged to reflect the redeeming love of Christ, to be positive, considerate and accountable. Galatians 6:1 encourages us, “…restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”
• With Christ at the center, we become more other-focused. Healthy compassion in relationships helps protect from depression and anxiety. Colossians 3:16 says, “…teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.”
• Finding purpose is easier when part of a group. During difficulties we can help lift and direct one another. Ephesians 2:10 reminds, “We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared.”
• Social interaction may improve memory and thought processes. The opposite of groupthink, there’s a give and take of ideas, “as iron sharpens iron” when we grow and learn together. In addition, Jesus said, “‘The Holy Spirit…will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you’” (John 14:26).
• Members of the body help one another grow by teaching, correcting, and mentoring. Psalm 145:4 states, “One generation shall commend your works to another.” While older members possess wisdom and insight, younger people provide vision and energy.
• Being part of a church body gives opportunity to exercise compassion. Throughout history, the church has been involved with orphanages, schools, hospitals, and other ministries for the poor and disadvantaged. The church has held marriage sacred, strengthened families and communities, and it raises the strongest voice for sanctity of life.
May we, like the apostle John, be “in the Spirit” on the church’s day of worship. May we find our personal experience inspired by church involvement. And may Christ in the midst of his Church provide hope, comfort, understanding, and inspiration to the world.
