If Church is not what it used to be, What are you doing to make it what it used to be?

Church is and will always be that place! It is that place where many of us heard a Message that changed our trajectory forever. It is that place where we often times feel most safe. It is that place where we signed up for our toes to be crushed; yet still grateful for the chastening because that represents His love for us.

Church has become underrated and ridiculed over the years for a number of reasons. How ironic, it is still the place that we expect to answer when a loved one transitions or we want to have our nuptials. It is the place that is often neglected; yet is expected to be open for our needs. Go figure, for the very place that the Believers in Acts pooled their resources together to make sure the Church remained that beacon of light; we either no longer attend or are cavalier about its care.

A popular argument is the egregious mishandling that we see in the churches today and why once upon a time Believers have chosen to take their praise elsewhere, often times their homes have become a decision for many. I get the argument, but I cannot co-sign it. Not only by personal experience of the role the Church has played in my life, but also by the importance that the Word of God places on the essence of the Church, to the Believer. Its potency should not be overcast to the point of extinction for the Believer, at no time!

I pay homage to my beloved grandmother with this blog topic. I remember as a young adult, she did not care what my Saturday plans were- do not have her late for church! I chuckle because even in high school, she had me sitting with her and the Mothers of the church. It makes me mindful and grateful all at the same time. Church meant something to them. They made sure the doors of the Church remained open!

There was an honor and reverence for God. From being there before Service started to not allowing everything to be done in the church. Even at a young age, the children were reared to have an understanding of what they could and could not do in the church. Anyone could correct a child and it was not frowned upon.

We grimace about the church not being what it used to be, but what are we doing to maintain the honor and reverence? What are we doing to make sure we are coming as participators instead of spectators? What role do we play in not only acknowledging the old landmarks, but maintaining their upkeep? I am speaking beyond a building, but a place and space that represents as the song says, “When the saints get on one accord and begin to bless the Lord, then the King who is strong and mighty, Oh, the King who is mighty in battle yeah, the King of glory shall come in.”

His Glory is still in need of our pursuit. The thought of Him “coming back for a church without spot or wrinkle” should be a shout for us! That means that Church will remain present and functioning at the level that He intended! God will forever have a remnant. We will get a chance to see how He cares for His Bride, the Church, on earth! And that precious gift deserves a response of gratitude and fight to make sure the Church is represented righteously.

I challenge you, Divine Design Reader to assess what role you are playing to make sure the Church remains a vital staple in your community. What acts have you put in place that twins with the Book of Acts concerning the Church? The pandemic showed a sober truth as to whether we saw the needs of the church as priority or the lowest on the totem pole of stewardship and care.

It is truly a blessing to know that our koinonia experience is brought to us through the Church. Making the decision to go on, is often made in that seat that is provided by the Church. Breaking and molding us is in a location that is afforded by the Church. It will forever be worth us fighting for and representing. May we be found yelling from the raptors…”For I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the House of the Lord.”

Divine Work & Pray:

Work:

Jot down in your Divine Design Journal the blessings that the Church has been in your life. If you have not been a part of a local church or experienced a traumatic event in a church that has drove you away, write out a prayer concerning God leading you to a truth-centered Church.

Pray:

Father God, Thank you for the provision you have made here for Believers to commune and fellowship. It is something so beautiful and divine when the Saints get together. Thank you for the opportunities you have provided for us to not only be poured into, but also to pour into our Sisters and Brothers. May the Church you are returning for remain affixed on what you have said is possible. May we see the great need for a local ecclesia. There is so much given there. May we show our gratitude to You by making sure what it used to be not only remains, but is significantly expressive of who you are! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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