The Rebel’s Guide – Serve An Imperfect Church - Monday
Today’s Verse
1 Corinthians 12:12-14
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. (NIV)
Can we all agree that Southland is a pretty awesome church? If you come around here on a Sunday morning for services, you’ll notice we are about as close to perfect as a church can get. The music is wonderful, the lighting is excellent, the Children’s enviroments are nurturing, volunteers are smiling… It’s a great place all around!
I have been around Southland for over 20 years, and I can tell you that, like any church, it’s not perfect. You might have an amazing experience on Sunday, but I’ve had a front-row seat to the behind-the-scenes processes. It's not perfect! We’re like a great big family with different personalities, temperaments, and opinions. Everyone wants to be heard and express themselves. Sometimes, tensions get high and it turns into a food fight on Thanksgiving day.
Of course, I’m exaggerating to make a point. Our church is imperfect because it is made up of imperfect humans—flawed, sinful, and in need of the Savior we have in Jesus Christ. Without Him, we would be like the people at the Tower of Bable, unable to communicate and separated from each other. Through Jesus, we can come together with our flaws and imperfections and help build something really special: The Church.
Today’s passage reminds us that we are all members of the same body. We all have different functions, different skills and talents, and different desires—but we are all part of the same body. God designed us that way. He knew He would need different people to build His Church. He knew He would need you, and designed you uniquely to serve the Church. We’re not the same, and we’re not perfect, but with God’s help, we can fulfill the purpose He has given us.
REFLECTION
Over the next week, I will highlight service opportunities at Southland. Please use this week to consider your skills and talents. Ask yourself, “Would I be able to serve in this capacity?”