I Want To Go Where Everyone Knows My Name!

When i think of the church, my desire is to be “where everyone knows my name.” Now this may imply to some that I want to be such a much. No – rather, I prefer the intimacy of small fellowships – where strong relationships are developed. I can hear some of you saying right now – but in a place like that there may not be healthy relationships, and then your whole worship experience becomes messed up!

There is no perfect church. Neither does one size fit all! I personally think God understands this and that is why in this Church Age He has allowed us to just have a smorgasbord of churches – each of us have a different personality, a different learning modality, a different ear – there is some place for everyone!

The point I want to make however, is not whether you go to a large or small church, the point is wherever you go, or whatever else you do, it is so important to establish relationships – people that will not only love you unconditionally, but people who will hold you accountable to this gospel message. We also need to be in places where we are getting a sound word – not one that satisfies our flesh, but one that challenges us to strive to live better and because of the immensity of the mission, God requires each of us to “pray for our leaders.”

Too many of us have one expectation for leaders, and another one for ourselves. Our leaders have feet of clay – they will make mistakes, they will sometimes be in a struggle that will challenge their faith, they will sometimes be in seasons where their heart is broken. Whereas we can identify with those issues as people, we sometimes hold our leadership to a standard that allows for no error.

On the reverse side of this however, leaders must also be members of the body of Christ. They too must have relationships that love unconditionally, and hold them accountable to the gospel message. Leaders must always be willing to have a teachable spirit, never coming to the place where they are above correction! I have heard leaders use the example of Korah to proclaim death upon people who differ with them.

We are in a strange day – there is so much coming against the best of us that we need each other more than ever! Let us take heed to the word given to the Colossian church:

9Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

12Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3;9-17 (NIV)

God Bless You,
Maria