The Church Being The Church

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
(Galatians. 6:2)

I read a, "thank you for your love and support," from a member of our congregation this morning.  It was a demonstration of the Church being the Church.  This is a fulfillment of our text.  It is a testimony to any local church when the world observes the Body of Christ, "bear one another's burdens."  Whose burdens are you bearing today?

Frankly, the world is not impressed when a person bears the burdens of his "physical" family.  "Do not even the tax collectors do the same?"  But when the unbelieving community observes the Church caring for the Church, there is a modern fulfillment of the Word of Jesus, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."  It is not, "By your worship, preaching, missions activity, giving to the poor, etc."  All this is expected of "Church people."  But when the world sees love, not just in word, but in deed, for "one another," they just may want to come and see what is the reason for this.  

There are, however, many organizations, religions, etc., which demonstrate "love" and "care" for "one another."  This means nothing for salvation or eternal life.  It is only when all of this is done, "in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him," that keeps everything we do as a local church from just being another lodge.  I can remember liberal theologians in my seminary taking great issue with me on this point.  They were just humanists.  Humanitarianism is not the love of the Church.  "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith [in Jesus] working through love [in Jesus]."

Congratulations, CCE, you are doing the work of "faith working through love--bearing one another burdens."

Father, I pray that my personal life will reflect the example of my local church family.  Amen.
****************************
*     Please don't forget to pray for my mission, October 16 through 25
*     Devotional Archive:          http://apfdevotionals.blogspot.com
*     News, Commentary:          www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com


"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2