Shifting Paradigm -- His Temple

A few weeks ago, my pastor loaned me a book on Christian leadership in the church that brought back a flood of emotions in my soul. Recently I went to some trials that are common to the church environment that could have embittered me and weaken my faith in the faithfulness of God and His work in his church. At that moment it seems that everything I believed of a church, its leaders and the believers seemed to not conform to what God says they should be or what leaders should do. It bothers me the most because if God didn't say in the bible that his people should not forget to assemble together, I could be one of those lonesome people that think that I am the only Gods' favorite and don't need anybody else around me to worship him. After reading this last sentence, I know the thoughts that you may be pondering now--Watch out! I say so because of the pain, disappointments and heartaches one often encounters when dealing with other imperfect people in this world.

Also I do not like too much emotions because I have a tendency to become vulnerable and lose control when I don't quite understand what is going on around me. I also hurt when I am vulnerable because of past hurts in the past. And I don't like when I question God when things go wrong around me. But then again, isn't that the lot of all Christians who really know that God is faithful and love him to live by faith when life throws challenges at them. Let me share with you this life experience I went through, and how God has allowed me to come up on top of this mountain with a new invigorating faith, fresh love for him and more compassion for others.

After moving to a new city , my family attended a Christian church that was part of a global group of believers under a certain spiritual covering. However, there was a split about two and half years later because our pastor opted to shepherd another flock with a different mindset and ways of doing things. The intent was for the people to accept the new order of things hoping for a permanent unity in the order of service, worship and expression. It is sad to say that this idea did not work well with many. During that time, I went through an overhaul of my belief system, personal affinity and God given personal calling on my life in order to decide where I should attend. I am going to try to explain how I see myself understanding and interacting with the people called to be in God and his work in their lives, and dealing with self and perceived issues.

Chosen People of God – The Temple

Although people talk about being Protestant, Catholic, Church of God , Four Square , Presbyterian, Lutheran, Baptist, denominational and non-denominational et cetera to identify their clique, I believe in one true body of believers. I believe that whatever covering a body of believers consider themselves to be under, and whatever creed, doctrines and personal opinions they may advocate, they are considered children of God when they have a relationship with Jesus. This involve that they repented of their sins, accepted Jesus in their lives, obey his commands, are led by the Holy Spirit Father, produce spiritual fruit and have Jesus' love for God and his people. We do not have to agree on everything to accept, love and be in one accord.

Putting all preferences aside, I also understand and accept that people must agree with each other, be of one mind, be of one spirit, in accord with God's Word in order to be able to pray together, serve together, worship and serve the Lord in unity as one body. Since we all have our personalities, worship styles, learning differences, I know that it is OK to fit in any group we can relate to, where we can serve, that will best help in our spiritual growth while facilitating the development of the various gifts Father placed in us. It is fine to look for and to feel a sense or personal affinity in worship, ways of teaching and expression when one chooses a particular group to assemble with. Most importantly, as children of God we must also learn to be tolerant of each other and all people, and especially of people who don't think like us, but are trying to serve the Holy One the best they know how.

I believe that wherever God has placed his people, he is working with a true body of believers worldwide in building himself his holy temple, and transforming people into the image of the glorified Christ who is the first-born among many brethren. I have a tendency to see all these groups of believers as the various branches Jesus spoke about, and that as they stay attached to the vine will be recognized by their fruit (Luke 6:43-45; John 15:1-8). Although I always look forward for the opportunity and the joy to fellowship with others who embrace different views, I am aware that there is a schism among many Christians who agree on the basic truths of the Christian's faith that only Jesus can heal by making his people whole in mind, body and spirit.

Moreover, as long as a group of believers agrees on the essentials, the main thing is to help each other come to the knowledge of the great Shepherd Jesus and follow him in order to be conformed to his image and not our preferences. Since all churches are wrong about something anyway, I've decided that I would stick with the group of people sharing the same spiritual path I've experienced through the years while waiting for the manifestation of God's kingdom or me going to heaven whichever comes first. As bible-believing and blood-brought children of God our purpose is to live by faith that is in the Lord alone.

Dealing with Self and Personal Issues

Thus, my issues with God, his leaders and his church have always been, if God has allowed all these people and groups to be, where do I really belong. As imperfect as I am, I have low tolerance for imperfection and sins. I am deeply distressed sometimes by what I hear, see around me, and by all the evil that is going on in this earth. I am aware that I am probably wrong to be that way or to react the wrong way, but it seems that I am looking for a perfect Church, a perfect world although I know it is currently non-existent. I know what God says about judging others, although He wants us to judge for ourselves what is right (Matthew 7:1-2; Luke 6:37; Luke 12:57). Am I too judgmental, or am I growling for a new heaven and earth, the purity of the realization of the kingdom of God , and a glorified and unified body of believers to be manifested in this earth?

When I read my bible, it seems like I can feel and see what God wants of us, but I don't see it around me and in me. Why this uneasiness in the spirit? What can I do with the carnal ways I carry around? How can I follow the wise advice of my first-born who has a tendency to father me, with what I consider an insolent remark, by saying: “Mom, calm down! Take it easy!” If taking it easy is to give it all to Jesus, I know that I do that all the time. Moreover, I know to leave tomorrow's fears and worries to Jesus, because each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34). But I guess that I try sometimes to help him carry the load, which at times deny and defy the purpose of asking for his help. HELP Jesus!

When I read my bible, I am also puzzled by John 6 verses 43 to 45 that go, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God. Everyone who listens to the Father learns from him comes to me.'” Matthew 7:21 states that not everybody who says Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of the Father. Also the explanation to the parable of the weeds and the sower in Matthew 13 verses 24-29; 36-43 and Mark 4:1-20 touched me in a strange way. I can see that Father allows the good seed and the weed to grow together. While meditating on these verses, I understand that Father makes the call, the chosen hears his voice, he teaches them, and they in turn obey his commands, serve him with all their hearts and produce fruit.

Let's follow up with the story. As I was in an emotional uproar about this whole church situation, I wanted to know the Father's will for me. I felt led to reread the gospels and most of the epistles. As I was reading the stories of the first new believers, the Apostle Paul conversion and teachings to the churches, Father started putting new ideas in my mind and heart. Although I think at times about the family members who have left our group through the past few years, I know that one day we will all be reunited in the love of Father in his kingdom.

A church split should not be seen only negatively all the times. Although it creates separation, emotional hurts and financial distress at times, there is a lot to learn from it. It is like a divorce. Everyone suffers. No one really wins especially when motives and choices made were in the flesh, for personal rewards, self-satisfaction, and not to further the Father's ways and kingdom purposes. However, in thinking about this separation, I could see the positive impact that some of the believers could have on another group with different views as long as they were at peace with their choices. I could see people moving on to greener pastures, because the various groups with their theology or philosophy no longer satisfy them. I could see people in search of themselves and their relationship with Father. I could see lukewarm and cold heart burning with fire again after Jesus.

In my situation, I chose a small group that seemed to suffer great emotional pain, was distressed and that needed help at all levels. It didn't matter how many we were because I believe the Word of God that when two are assembled together, he will be third person among them. More people left that group through this process of being refined with fire. But it was a way for me to refocus, stretch myself, strengthen my trust in and obedience to the Father while following the Spirit's lead. Father has given me peace and faithfulness to deal with the current situation. I also wanted to see what Father will do and how he will magnify and glorify himself among us as his children. Now I also know after reading the book that I made the right choice because Father answered my inquisitive questions of the past few months through giving me a thorough understanding of his Word.

I learn many things and am still learning. Anyone who is not against the Father is for him (Luke 9:50; 10:16). Even the first church people also suffered persecutions and the attack of the enemy (Acts 8:1-8). And as people suffer, God is still doing his work in their lives and touching others for His glory. There is always something to learn when we are children of God. We are refined through the fire of afflictions and being salted with fire (Mark 9:49). He will not allow anything to happen to us that we can't endure. I empathize with the Psalmist when he states in Psalm 119:92-93 “Unless your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.”

By teaching me to be and stay in love and truth, Father allowed me to come on top of this mountain with a new invigorating faith, fresh love for him and more compassion for others. What I love with that experience is that I know that I was, am and will always be loved by Jesus no matter what. I know that I am saved and that I am in the process of becoming like him because he will perfect what he started in me. I am also seeing around me transformed lives and hearts focused on Father. I am witnessing a new sense of humility, tenderness of heart and forgiveness arising among the people that can only happen because of the sweet work of the Holy Spirit Father.

Just abide in his Word when you are dealing with life issues and challenges, because his Word is Spirit and Life. As you do, his Spirit will guide you always, and you will have the peace that surpasses all understanding. Whether the little group, I chose to meet with gets dismantled as a vapor or not is not an issue to me because we know who is in charge of us and we understand that we are all in the Master's hand. These verses in 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 clearly defines who we are and what the Master is doing in our lives, “But thanks be to God, who made us his captives and leads us along in Christ's triumphal procession. Now wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Good News like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a fragrance presented by Christ to God…”

As I like to tell my children who, at times, have a difficult time to understand what is going on at ‘church', “we belong to Jesus wherever we are. He loves us, lives in us and is teaching us something. We are a temple of the Holy and Living God. He is always with us and even closer than we can understand and imagine especially in times when we don't know what is going on. In those times, we live by faith because he is carrying us around. Let's learn what needs to be learned, and enjoy this experience of a lifetime!”

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

Marie Monaus16 Apr '09