The perfect church (myth)

March 31, 2022 (Thursday)

 

The biggest secret in "Christianity" is the church. What I mean is that there are no perfect churches. I can think of only two things that are not under some sort of condemnation. Smyrna was persecuted and poor. Philadelphia was busy and stressed.

 

Let’s look at the church in Thessalonica for today. Despite their confusion concerning the return of Jesus, they had a few things going for them. 1 Thessalonians 1:3 states, "We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." [NIV] One idea that is left out of many modern texts is that this remembering is continual, uninterrupted, and without ceasing.

 

The NIV takes the liberty of adding descriptors, but they make sense. They are "produced," "prompted," and "inspired." They couple the action with theology. Notice what I call "Paul's three-legged stool." These three things form the foundation for the way a follower of Jesus understands and lives life: faith, love, and hope.

 

We produce works as a result of our faith. We work because of who we are (our faith). We are not working to earn merit for our faith. Love prompts labor. Finally, Wesley observed that those who do not labor do not love. Hope inspires endurance (patient suffering).

 

Here’s how I see it. Faith compels us toward God and service to God. Love carries us toward others and serves them. Hope creates the ability to get through anything. All three things center on God and motivate us to serve Him and others in some way.

 

Just a note on "endurance." We are talking about being patient. We are talking about being consistent. As followers of Jesus, we do not swerve from our deliberate purpose and loyalty (Thayer). Here’s what stinks about "patience" (endurance). The only way we get it is in difficult circumstances and times.

 

“For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” [James 1:3 NLT]

 

Here’s the deal: If you want this kind of church, don’t look to someone else to do these things for you. Get out in front of the crowd and model them!