From Facade to Faithfulness: Embracing the Church God Meant
As we step into September, a sacred month for many congregations, it's a time not only for celebration but also for introspection. This year marks 96 years of Morningstar's journey—a testament to the sweat, sacrifice, and service of saints who have lifted Christ in their community. Yet, as we celebrate, we are called to examine ourselves, to look beyond the polished exterior and address the cracks within.
**The Illusion of Curb Appeal Christianity**
In Matthew 23, Jesus warns against the danger of being "shiny but shallow." The Pharisees, with their outward displays of piety, had mastered the art of performance but neglected true transformation. They were like cups cleaned on the outside but filthy within. This metaphor challenges us to consider our own lives and churches. Are we more concerned with appearances than authenticity? Do we prioritize image over integrity?
The danger lies in becoming a church that is busy but barren, polished but powerless. We can have full pews and empty hearts, million-dollar budgets but bankrupt souls. The call is clear: real holiness begins on the inside. We must strive for sanctuaries, not showrooms, where the focus is on cultivating people, not just polishing the product.
**Favoritism at the Table**
James 2 warns against favoritism, urging believers to treat all with equal respect and love. The church is not a place for social hierarchies but a community where the ground is level at the foot of the cross. We must ask ourselves: Who is missing from our table? Is it the single mother, the returning citizen, the struggling teenager, or the veteran with unseen wounds? Our fellowship should reflect the inclusivity of the kingdom, where every person is valued as an image-bearer of God.
**Wake Up and Strengthen What Remains**
In Revelation 3, Jesus addresses the church at Sardis, which had a reputation for being alive but was spiritually dead. His command to "wake up and strengthen what remains" is a call to action. Despite the cracks, there is still something worth saving. Jesus offers hope and restoration, urging us to fortify what is weak and revive what is dying.
This message is a reminder that God is patient and merciful, always ready to revive and restore. Our task is to repent from cosmetic Christianity, rebuild trust, recenter our mission on Christ, rekindle prayer, renew accountability, and reignite compassion. We are called to move from facade to faithfulness, from hollow appearances to genuine wholeness.
**Conclusion: A Call to Renovation**
The church God meant is not one that is shiny but shallow, exclusive, or busy but barren. It is a church that is faithful, fruitful, and founded in Christ. As we embark on this journey of spiritual renovation, let us allow the Great Builder to strip us down and build us up until we shine with His presence and purpose. May we wake up, strengthen what remains, and become the church that truly reflects the heart of God.
Amen.