Assembled

This past Sunday we explored the nature of the church and the critical role we each play. The spiritual gifts we are given by God must be used to benefit the church as the church works to benefit the world with Jesus. This model of replication and multiplication is important for us to understand: we are designed by God to be assembled into the church so the church can assemble with other churches to impact the world for Jesus. Through our combined efforts, others are assembled into the church, the church keeps developing and deploying disciples, and the process continues until the whole world hears of God's great love. 

God's great love is the model for how we are to live with each other as we are assembled into the church. Our assembly into the Body of Christ, therefore, is ensconced with need...both ours and the church. 

We are assembled to need each other. None of us is an island unto ourselves. We simply cannot be everything for everyone. So if we are to be successful, and if the church is to be effective, then we must recognize we need others and others need us, too. The bottom line is the church needs us as much as we need the church.

We are assembled to respect each other. This isn't always easy, especially when we bump into each other from time to time, but it is critical. The reality is that being Christian doesn't mean we never experience conflict, but it does mean we must deal with it  — and others! — differently. The way we conduct ourselves in the midst of conflict is one of the most poignant ways we can show the world how people of faith live differently. 

We are assembled to sympathize with each other. One of the greatest lessons about what it means to be assembled to the Body is contained in 1 Corinthians 12:26, "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." It is a powerful testament to our love of God and others when we can authentically share concern with others when they are down, and celebrate with others when they are up. It's all about doing life together, with all its highs and lows. 

We will explore these concepts further on Sunday as we consider what Paul referred to as "the more excellent way" (1 Corinthians 12:31). I have to warn you, though, it's a four-letter word that has the potential to grab everyone's attention. I hope to see you in worship Sunday, but in the meantime, remember we all need each other, must respect each other, and share in life's highs and lows together. 

God Bless,

Pastor Mark