Paul Oakley (Photo credit: richbeechina)
I saw a funny video a bit ago which was basically poking fun at people who choose a local church based on how it meets their needs. Ever met that sort of person?
I went to this church for a bit but the men’s ministry wasn’t vibrant enough, so I went to a different church but the music was a bit old-fashioned so I came to this church.
Well, a couple of knee-jerk reactions: (1) if it’s not good enough, do something about it, and (2) if you find one that’s perfect don’t join it because you’ll add imperfection to the mix!
Anyway, this little video included a lovely song based on Paul Oakley’s Jesus, Lover of My Soul; the chorus has the line in it ‘It’s all about you…’ which was replaced with ‘It’s all about me…’
Funny.
But not really, because judging by the way we talk about Christianity (and I’m definitely including myself here) you’d be forgiven for thinking that this deal about Jesus dying for me and having a personal relationship with me and loving me is sort of about me. Well, me and Jesus at least.
So allow yourself to be punched in the face by this quote:
[T]he church is the meaning of human history; but it is the church as a corporate body, not the distinct individuals who make up her membership…My special destiny as a believer is to be part of the church; and it is the church that is the big player in God’s wider plan, not me.
God has a wonderful plan for my life, and it’s to be part of his army of believers as his name is glorified.
That’s very exciting actually.
HT: Mike Wittmer
