Is everyone perfect? No they aren’t

“What would my church be like if every member was just like me?”

I asked that question last week and I have received some very interesting responses since. (It’s good to know that at least three people beside me reads the column.)

Anyway, knowing that the Church struggles in many areas of Christian responsibility (ie: evangelism, discipleship, world missions, social responsibilities, etc.). Why is it that the focus of these ministries is many times diverted to internal struggles?

Why is it that many times the pastor and the deacons are at odds or the heads of different departments are in conflict, or the members are mad at each other, or the members are mad at the pastor, and “church work” isn’t getting done?

I believe the answer is very simple. Satan knows his days are short and he is doing whatever he can to cause confusion and conflict within the Church. Is there a perfect Church? No. Are there perfect people? No. Perfect church members? No. Perfect pastors? No. But here’s the thing. Jesus called His Church to make disciples and to teach them the things He had taught. (Matthew 28:19-20) And unfortunately our focus is not on outward things, but on inward things.

When we have “lost our vision” for the lost, then we will have too much time to be “nit-pickers” instead of being “net-drawers.” I hope each and every one who names the name of Christ and calls themselves a Christian will seek God’s face and ask the question I have now asked for two weeks: “What would my church be if every member was just like me?”

Are you doing all you can to build up the Kingdom, or are you tearing it down? Is your Heavenly Father proud of you, His earthly child? Something to think about this week.

Remember, Jesus loves you just like you are, but He loves you too much to leave you like that.

Pastor Thad Gifford is lead pastor of the Crossroads Community Church, 62 E. Second St., London. He can be reached at (740) 852-7800 or e-mail him at sermon8er@aol.com.