Going to, Doing or Being the Church?

Do you know Christians who complain about attending church in general? Do you know Christians who complain about church people? Have you met people claiming they are Christians who told you “have been there, done that, and am not interested in going to any church anymore.” How did you take these statements? Where are you now in your spiritual walk and growth? Are you playing or doing church? Are you going to church? Or, are you being the church?

Since “church” is a group of people, who are children of God, led by the Spirit of the living God, walking in the life of the Spirit, and following Jesus lead in everything, why are some Christians so unsatisfied with themselves? Let me share with you what Father put in my heart while reading Hebrews 11 and comparing these great people of faith with the state of some Christians I encounter as I meet people on the journey.

Hebrews 11 that is considered the chapter of faith challenges us to acknowledge the lives of the people who lived by faith in the Old and New Testaments. Verses 5 to 31 of Hebrews 11 speak about great servants of God such as Enoch, Noah, Jacob, Moses, Abraham etc who didn't receive the things promised them. The Word of God states that they only saw them and only welcome them from a distance.

Verses 32 to 35 describe another group of servants of the Most High God from the Old Testament who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, was given supernatural strength and defeated great armies. Some even experienced the resurrection of their dead. They gained what was promised temporarily as they enjoy some physical success. But they still had to wait.

Verses 35 to 39 captivated my attention because it seems to be describing the early Christians. These people were the early believers who represented the church of the living God. These people seemed to know how to stand the fight of faith and didn't allow anything to deter them from their purpose. These people faith journeys didn't seem that grandiose to me because of the trials they encounter when I see what happened to them. There was so much suffering involved.

The verses 35 to 39 of Hebrews chapter 11 read, “Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in to; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins destitute, persecuted and mistreated—the world wasn't worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. The Word of God concluded by stating, “These were all commanded for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.”

Do you think that Father gave them the burning desire, the unsatisfied hunger, and a glimpse of the kingdom reality that they could only perceive without seeing it being manifested in their time and in their lives? All these people had to wait. Can you tell why they were waiting? The Word of God says that God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Now if they are waiting for us, what do you think that our lives as Christians in the end-times should be? What should our lives reflect?

Why this apathy in many people who consider themselves Christians in our time? Why this complacency in people who claim to represent the Holy Father without manifesting His glory? Is it because we enjoy doing church, going to church instead of being the church of the living God full of His power and glory? Is it because we are not actively engaged in the great battle of seeking out the loss, being a refuge and shelter to the hungry, naked and homeless as Father commanded? Am I being judgmental? If you feel offended reading this, analyze yourself like I am and see if you stand in the truth.

It is my opinion that these people listed in Hebrews and many other followers of Jesus who didn't have fear of the unknown lived life to its fullest because they were engaged in every moment the Father presented to them. They knew that there was a higher calling, and greater purpose being accomplished than what they can comprehend. They understood that they were part of this great battle and chose to embrace the dangers they would encounter with courage. They wanted to participate wholeheartedly and be where Father was working. They didn't worry about their physical security, because they knew that this spiritual battle they were involved in was already won. Do you feel that way in your present walk?

Now are you going to church, doing church or being the church? Only you can answer this question. Do you love people? Do you favor your own needs and desires over others? As you analyze your life and priorities, you will see if you are making a difference for the kingdom of God. As I read my bible, what I feel God wants his church to be is not being manifested in many churches. Father stated that He gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors/teachers to equip his people coming together for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11-13). Are you being equipped?

Also 1 Corinthians 14:26 states that people coming together should be in an atmosphere free of strife, open and receptive to the move of God in order for them to be able to share and use the gifts they have received from God. What then shall we say, brothers? As Apostle Paul simply put it, when you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. Do you see anything different being accomplished as you assemble? Is your life changing? Is church the same status quo or are you involved?

Are you engaged and making a difference for the Kingdom of God in the lives of other people? Do you see the fruit of the Spirit in action? Can people see Jesus in you? God is still in the business of raising the dead bones. He is still waiting for you to be a witness and light as you awaken and move where He is moving. That is all that matters. As for me, as I am learning to allow the Lord to have complete control in my life, I want it to be said of me as it was for King Hezekiah: ‘Marie did what was good, right, and true before the Lord her God. Everything she did was done seeking her God and with all her heart (2 Chronicles 31:20-21).'

Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it! (Luke 11:28)

Marie Monaus 22 April '10