This is the Church

Here we are, gathered into one room: the poor, the rich, the middle class; we have nothing at all in common.  Some of us are educated; some, never learned to read or write.  Some are thoughtful; some, good with their hands.  Some can design and fashion anything; others barely know what to do with a hammer or a screwdriver.  If we met at a party, we could hardly speak to one another, because our interests and passions are so diverse.

Yet, in some mysterious way, we have all been drawn here by the Holy Spirit, for His purpose and pleasure.  Jesus Christ is in our midst, smoothing out the differences among us.  We are His body, His hands and feet and eyes and ears in the 21st century.  We see for Him; we hear for Him, we think about issues in our world from His viewpoint.  Somehow, He acts through and in us, even when we don't know it.  His Spirit dwells in us and in the midst of this gathering as we come together. 

Jesus is still teaching us, healing us, overcoming the hostilities among us.  His presence is hidden, but real.  We leave this gathering different from when we arrived.  Somehow, He has bridged differences among us and spread among us the love of God for each one of us. 

If we have come to criticize one another, or the service, or the minister, we have missed the reason for which we were drawn here.  If we have come here because we are afraid of hell, we are here for the wrong reason.  If we are here out of human respect, or because we want someone to think well of us, we are missing the presence of God in our midst.  If we do not  expect Him to speak to us today, we will not hear His voice in our hearts. 

We are here because, no matter how or why we decided to come, the power of God has brought us here.  The Spirit of God has something today to teach us, to say to us.  He wants to accomplish in us His very own purpose and pleasure.  He wants to transform us into the Image of Jesus Christ; he wants to use our bodies, our minds, our emotions, our passions, our souls and spirits to fill the world with his own Wisdsom, Understanding, and Knowlege.  Through us, He wants to transform a world that does not know Him.  That is why we are here!

Listen to Him!  Do whatever He tells you to do!  Do not miss the voice of God speaking today in your heart!