“Being a Christian can sometimes feel like being in a family with a thousand drunk uncles.” — Justin McRoberts
What are your thoughts on this remark?
For me, when I was young, I didn’t have a choice. As a pastor’s kid, I had to be at church every Sunday. I felt like I lived in a glass house. I was expected to behave well and be a good leader at church. Yet, in the church, I saw conflicts, power struggles, and hypocrisy. I met chronically difficult people. At times, I counted down the days until I could be free.
Eventually, I left the church for a time. I still believed in God. I still prayed to God. There were no more conflicts and no more headaches. And yet, strangely, I felt that something was missing. One day, while taking a walk in nature, I realized what was missing: Christian fellowship. I needed the church.
Until then, I had been very critical of the church today. I often thought we simply needed to go back to the Early Church. Then I realized that the Early Church was just as messy as ours.
Take the church in Corinth, for example. It was one of the prominent churches of its time, yet it was filled with problems. They were divided over leaders and issues. They judged one another harshly. There was sexual immorality. They were suing one another. They were neglecting the needs of the poor. And the list goes on.
But Paul didn’t throw in the towel on the church. He remained a hopeful pastor. Why?
Because the church is family.
We don’t get to choose our family members. Our family is given to us, and we learn to love one another and make the very best of the family we have been given.
Yes, as Justin McRoberts says, sometimes it may feel like we are in a family with a thousand drunk uncles! But still, those uncles are our family. We are called to stick together through thick and thin, for better or worse, in sickness and in health.
The church is family. God is our Father. We are spiritual brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, daughters and sons to one another. We didn’t choose one another; we have been given to one another.
And perhaps the church is also a classroom – a place where we learn how to get along with one another, forgive one another, serve one another, and become more like Christ.
The church is God’s idea. And now I am beginning to see more and more of the beauty and glory of the church. I am falling in love with the church.
The other day, I had the privilege of visiting one of our seniors, Florence Bamforth. Though it was my first visit with her, we became instantly comfortable with one another and shared a deep conversation. We talked about the power of prayer. I said, “The greatest thing we can do is to pray for others.” Florence replied, “Yes, I pray for my family, my children and grandchildren every day.”
Another example happened this Monday when Buzz and Cookie opened their home for our Sunday School pool party. They watched our children play and kept saying, “I’m so happy to see them have fun.”
Valarie, who coordinated our gathering, said that even though we had just met, she felt like she had known my family for a long time. That was exactly how Joyce and I felt. Our Sunday School children quickly became friends and began playing together.
Where else can we find a place where people open their homes to strangers? Where can we find a place where people of different ages, languages, cultures, and backgrounds become family? I believe the church is the only place where this can happen. And it is possible because of what Jesus Christ has done for us. He is the Head and Foundation of the church.
We need the church, and the church needs us. So may we not grow weary. May we continue to encourage one another to meet, to love, to serve, and to walk together. May we continue to grow “to the full stature of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). Thank you, each of you, for being part of this beloved community.
All of our worship services are recorded and available through our website and local television. They can also be viewed on Channel 26 on Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. and Thursdays at 3:30 p.m.
A recent service can be viewed here:
Watch the recent worship service
You can also read the message here:
Read “Watch the Lamb”
Please continue to keep our church family and friends in your prayers. Norma Atwood’s surgery was successful, and she is waiting to be transferred to rehab. Jane Peabody is resting comfortably and stable under hospice care; her family, especially Pete, appreciates your prayers and cards. Jeannette Leupold is recovering well with less pain, enjoying her coloring, and looking forward to returning to the Cape for rehab.
If a pastoral visit is needed, I would be glad to arrange a visit, working together with our Senior Advocate Team, who faithfully care for our church members. You can reach me at 207-538-0778 or pastorvictorhan@gmail.com.
I give thanks to God for you. And remember...
I am the church.
You are the church.
We are the church together.
Thanks be to God!
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Victor
No comments:
Post a Comment