Day 28: Stewardship
Singing My Way Through Write 28 Days
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“We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord.” Ephesians 2:21 (NLT)
Church Building
“The church is not a building, the church is not a steeple,
The church is not a resting place, the church is a people.
I am the church! You are the church! We are the church together!
All who follow Jesus, all around the world!
Yes, we’re the church together!
~We Are the Church~
Did you ever say something when you were younger, or yesterday for that matter, and those words came back, wagging their finger at you saying, “You didn’t know as much as you thought you did, now did you?” I hate to admit that it’s happened to me more times than I can count.
The most recent reprimand to “eat my words” came as a result of a church meeting and the shock of discovering that we were in real financial trouble. As a small, rural church we’ve always had our challenges but none so great as during the pandemic. On top of being closed for week after week, we also lost members to death, moving to another church, or simply being out of the habit of attending service once we reopened. Giving was at an all time low and we were spending thousands of dollars more than we were taking in. The word “closure” was said, and we sat around the table astounded, afraid of what the future would hold.
Not long afterward I found myself alone in the sanctuary. The familiar smell of the old building made me smile. Running my hand along the smooth, shiny wood, memories of all that has taken place at the alter came flooding back. Light filtered through the stained glass windows casting colored patterns on the worn carpet. I raised my eyes up to the comforting portrait of Jesus. That’s when it hit me how very much I loved this place, and that’s when….my words came back to visit.
“It’s only a building,” I said many years ago as we discussed an idea to join with other churches, becoming one congregation at a new location. Thankfully, my opinion didn’t cross my lips but it did fester in my heart and mind. I couldn’t understand why so many of our members were adamant about staying where we were. And it was true, I couldn’t understand as a newer member what those who grew up in the church building were feeling. Believe it or not, I didn’t know as much as I thought I did back then.
My heart was moved by the memory. I turned away from the alter and looked out over the pews, I knew where each person, family, and even those who’d passed always sat each Sunday. (We do like the same spots) Now I thought I understood what I hadn’t all those years ago. It’s not just a building, it is part of who we are, of who I am. God however, has reminded me with His words this time rather than my own, that I still have more to learn:
“For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field
God’s building.”
1 Corinthians 3:9 (NIV)
Did you catch the difference? I said, “Church isn’t just a building,” but God’s Word tells us that Church isn’t a physical building at all. WE are “God’s building,” His “holy temple” built and bound together through Jesus. So, even if the money runs out, the pews are empty, and the pulpit is silent, His church will still be alive and well in me, in all believers, and so, as we care for our buildings, we must even more so care for one another.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
“I am the church.” “You are the church.” So, as “faithful stewards” and “God’s building” let’s open the doors of our hearts to welcome one another in, turn up the heat (fan the flame) of the love God has given us to share, light up the room with good deeds that glorify God, and be the familiar aroma of Christ in the world.
I think you’ll agree that it’s never fun to have to “eat words” unless of course, they’re the Words of God. (They’re sweeter than honey, you know!) The more we taste of them, the more we’ll know of Him. The more we know of Him, the better steward we will be. And the better steward we become, the bigger and stronger the church of believers will grow, building, by building, by building. “Yes, we are the church together!”
Cindy, this is such a thoughtful post. I love how you at the end talked about “eating” God’s words that are “sweeter than honey.” Yes, we are the church and need to reach out to others as best we can, anywhere, anytime. Blessings to you!
I know the last couple of years have made it so hard for many local churches. I believe that God will reward those who have been faithful to the best of their ability, but I guess I don’t know what that will look like. I hope that as the people of God – the church! – we’ve learned and grown through these strange times and will continue to be faithful in doing what God has called us to do.
I’ve enjoyed reading your Write 28 Days posts – I don’t always have the time or words to comment, but I do my best to always read and have appreciated all you’ve shared.