Imagine for a moment that you saw this ad in the paper:
WANTED: Christians who would be the Church and not just go to church.
What would be your initial reaction? What questions might you have for the person who posted the ad?
What would be the difference between a Christian who is the Church versus the Christian who merely goes to church?
I want to present to you a few qualities of Christians to strive to be the Church.
- They are present.
The first clear characteristic of Christians who are being the Church is that they show up. Those who just go to church view church attendance and participation as something to do when they are available. If the things of life (work, recreation, chores) demand their attention, being present is quickly sacrificed.
But to those who are the church, presence and participation are a priority. They are there even when it is inconvenient. They show up even when they don’t feel like it. They serve when better offers come along. This isn’t limited to Sunday morning either, they are always there to give a helping hand; whether it is encouraging a brother/sister over coffee or getting dirty on a project at the church building. Those who are the church always show up!
- They are giving.
Paul writes, “For God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor 9:7) Therefore, it stands to reason that those who are the Church are eager to give and give sacrificially.
But there is more to this than giving, there is a mentality to the Church that this world is passing away and all the things that are in them. (1 Jn 2:17) This should mean that the Church does not desire to cling to the things of this world over the things of God. The Church ought to be generous in their giving because they know that by giving the local church is able to do more as she meets needs and shares the Gospel with the nations. Paul also wrote, “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” When the Church gives, God will use those gifts to reach the nations with the Gospel!
- They are sharing.
Jesus clearly said, “Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” (Jn 20:21) This “sentness” means that every single person who claims Christ is supposed to be a witness for Christ in this world. People who are the Church embrace this fact and seek to share the good news of salvation through Christ to the world. They just don’t do it as part of a church program, nor do they delegate that responsibility to a pastor or someone “gifted with evangelism”. The Church shares the Gospel with their family, friends, and coworkers. When they aren’t sharing, they are praying for those who need to hear it.
- They are loving.
The last and probably the most important characteristic of the Church is love. Jesus told his disciples, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (Jn 13:35) First, the Church has to love one another. We love each other even when we disagree. We love each other even though we are different. No matter way, we love each other. Secondly, we love those outside of the church. We love them so much we speak the truth in love. (Eph 4:15) We love them so much that we do everything we can to see them come to Christ. People who know nothing about us or our faith should be able to see that we love others.
So how would you do? Would you be able to answer the ad? Imagine for a moment how different things would be if everyone sought to be the Church and not just go to church! It would change the world!!!
