When we do something for another human being, why are we asked "is it thru the Church"? Meaning, did the church arrange for this, or did you get the churches help? What happened to us being the church? What happened to being the feet of Jesus? As we grow in our faith, are we not supposed to live out the blessings we have been given by blessing others in the same way God does us?
It was described to me as a river. The blessings you receive should come to you, then flow forth thru you to others "downstream" for lack of a better word. I have been blessed. Not as much as other people maybe, but surly better than some. No matter how much or little we have, someone will always have more, but more importantly to this illustration , there are ALWAYS those who have less. As we grow in Christ, I think we become more aware of those who have less. I think if we are growing in Christ, this is a natural progression. I think that if we look at the world thru the "eyes of Christ" we see so many needs, so many hurting people. Are we not tasked with loving others better than we love ourselves? This is all what I have been taught in my journey called Christianity.
Why then do good Christian folk, people whom I admire, and who I KNOW love the Lord, ask me, "is this (fill in the blank with a kindness, or a need for someone) thru the church? Meaning did the church find this need for you? Did the organize the help for the need? Does the Pastor's know about this? Is this a Mission thru the church?
NO.
NO.
No. Kinda....
this mission is thru the church. I AM the church. If you are a believer, YOU are the church. We form the church. The Pastor, or the building, they are not the church.
Folks, I firmly believe we are entering a very difficult future. I see things getting so much worse for so many people. If we are left here to spread the good news, then it is up to us to BE the church. LOOK for the needs of others. Find a place that God wants you to work, and work there. If God says to you "these folks have a need" then fill it if you can. You know when God lays something on your heart, just listen to Him, He will provide the means for it to be carried out.
Do I help people "thru the church" Yes. I do.
But we are to reach out to those around us, those who have a need that we can fulfill. That makes us the church, right?
Blessings and Peace
LTW
Interesting questions and ones that need asking. Why is charity only considered viable or proper when it is third partied by someone else.
ReplyDeleteI think your feelings on the subject are spot on.
Very nice article. Let's put some scripture to it and I think your done
ReplyDeletePhillipians 4:15-18 is one passage that speaks to the church helping,
And more to the point of what you are saying, Hebrews 6:10 is speaking to the good works an individual can do to help others.
And in both passages, it should be noted that God does notice what we do as the church (as a group) and as the church (the individual).
He notices our love for others and remembers this for judgement day. Very comforting if you ask me.
Hey, I appreciate you thoughts here.
Thank you Matt for the excellent scripture reference!
ReplyDeletePP, I always love your comments, thank you!