WHOSE CHURCH IS IT?

I was told a story years ago of a fellow in the Burnsville town square who asked an old farmer, “Where is the Church of God?”  He nodded toward the First Baptist Church and said, “That is Preacher Jones’ church.”  He then pointed to the Presbyterian church, and said, “That’s Preacher Smith’s church.”  He mentioned the Methodist church and said, “That is Preacher James’ church.”  Scratching his head, he replied, “If God’s got a church around here, I don’t know where it is!”

It is incorrect for a pastor or member to speak of the church as “my church,” though we understand what they likely mean. However, if they believe it is their church, it is more than incorrect—it is iniquity!

Paul writes of Christ, “And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.” (Col.‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬‬). 

Preacher, or Deacon, or Ladies’ Mission Leader, nobody died and left you in charge!  Jesus did die—but also arose—and He is in charge!

Consider, THE PROMINENCE OF OUR FAME. It is a natural tendency—this business of self-promotion. That is rooted in the depravity of our sin nature!  When we want to be the celebrity and think we are capable of dominating the church, it is possible we will make headlines. Yet, at the Judgment Seat of Christ, it will all prove hay, wood, and stubble to be burned into oblivion. That is—if we are saved. Such pride may indicate we are unregenerate and then we will face a worse fire!

Let us seek instead THE PREEMINENCE OF GOD’S NAME. “In all things…[that] He may have the preeminence.”  It is not about our fame, but His name. The glory of God is to be the driving force of the ministry and the devoted focus of the church. May we die to self in order to lift up Christ. Let our humiliation spotlight Christ’s exaltation. Just resign today from being the head of the church you serve.  Jesus alone is worthy of being the Head and He can run things a lot better than we can!