Today’s Church:  Thought # 1


First, let’s start with something from the Old Testament.  Have you really read the book of Judges?  As I read through last month, it reminded me of the stories (or tales) from the times of early England and Ireland.  Life was not easy and each man lived by his own laws.  It was a time of City States with nomads conquering, destroying, and taking what they desired.  It was a time with no government and no universal laws.  “Every man did that which was right in their own eyes.” Judges 17:6 and Judges 21:25

The twelve tribes of Israel were given laws to follow, but after Moses and Joshua died, they forgot the laws God gave Moses on Mt. Sinai.  They chose to follow after money, fortune, man-made gods, and the perverted lusts of their hearts.  The tribe of Benjamin was destroyed because of their perverted lusts and love of money.  Read about it in chapters 20 and 21 of Judges.  Power and fortune still drives and destroys today as it did in the early history of man. 

Exactly what does this have to do with the Church of today?

Think about it. 

What church has not had a power struggle?  Or, done things according to what is right in their eyes, not the will of God?  Let’s not go into detail.  We all know examples.  However, let’s examine our own selves.  Am I doing what I think is right in my own eyes?  Am I a part of the power struggle?  What should I do?

Colossians chapter 3 says it all.  Verses eight and nine list what we should not do; don’t be angry, malicious, speak filthy words, lie, and unforgiving.  Then, verses 10 through 14 list what we should do which is to put on Jesus Christ, be merciful, kind, humble, meek, patient, forgiving, and show love to one another.  In addition, we are reminded that the church is one body of those who love God.  “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, in which also you are called in one body; and be thankful.” (Verse 15)

Thought # 1:

 By doing what is “right in our own eyes,” we destroy the body of the Church, but when we turn to God and love one another seeking God’s will, we heal the body of the Church and grow.

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