Someone wrote recently that good preaching attracts a person to a church and a good community keeps them there. There is much wisdom in that remark.
We all desire to be loved and accepted. Cheap substitutes are often used to fulfill that desire, but it is a true and profound desire nonetheless. God declared that it was not good for man to be alone. That is why He made woman. Ultimately, man is most fulfilled when he belongs body and soul, in life and death, to Jesus Christ. It is then that he finds his place in humble submission and joy as a child of the living God--always belonging to Him. In addition, he finds his place in humility and joy amongst God's people, fellow sinners saved by grace.
We all seek a better country. Of course we would, considering the broken and vile state of this creation under the oppressive influence of sin. And while that country exists beyond the waters of this present life, it should be experienced in sin-tainted and shadowy from within the confines of the Church. Boaz recognized that Ruth had taken refuge in the wings of the Lord. Yet, later, Ruth could ask to enjoy the wings of Boaz.
But, sinners that we are, we struggle to spread our wings over others. We are busy. We prefer abstract discussions of doctrinal truth (which is valuable). We focus on our families as if they're our only mission. We engage in superficialities because we are scared to plumb the depths of our hearts. We avoid the suffering because they demand so much of us and remind us of our own morality. We shirk away from opportunities to share the Gospel because people are so easily offended, and we can be so easily liked if we simply sweep these things under the rug.
As Christians, we should feel the irresistible pull to pour ourselves out for the sake the Gospel. Though our sin tempers our enthusiasm, we find ourselves truly living when we are radical in our love. We take risks--opening up about our own sin and pain and taking a chance with a conversation about the Gospel. We sacrifice--visiting those who suffer or are in grief and in patiently serving others. Stepping out in this way is often the last thing we want to do, but it always turns into the thing we least regret.
As I, in my present role, struggle to find those intimate, vulnerable bonds of accountability and encouragement in Christ, I think back to my church body. And I wonder how I can better cultivate those bonds upon my return. Am I really opening up to others? Do I really know others on a deep level? Is there security to embrace the precious brokenness of true familial relationships? I am an undershepherd who often knows very little about the sheep.
Praise God! Jesus knows His sheep. He calls them by name. They are His. Now I must further endeavor to know the flock and be known by them. And I must labor with others to promote an environment where a toleration of the superficial gives way to a love of sinners.
I love because He first loved me.
