Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there . . . The Book of Revelation 11:1
I hope you belong to a wonderful church where you can worship, feel uplifted . . . and also be used. If not, seek one out. There are churches on every block for a reason. We need to gather together, as the hymn says. There is strength in numbers. The Christian walk is not meant to be a solitary one. Life is a battle, and though the Victory has already been won on the cross, the day to day skirmishes still must be fought. We need others to help us in our daily assaults, to tend to our wounds, and to give us encouragement to get back out there and fight the good fight.
If you are attending church and it doesn’t do that, then what do you do? Leave? If you don’t feel the Holy Spirit moving each time you enter, should you walk away? Many do. They can’t make it in their own image, so they get up out of the pews and slam the door behind them. It just didn’t do it for me, they sigh. It’s not where I belong. Perhaps.
But maybe it is. Maybe God is calling them , as he did John, to be one of the measure-ers. Is He calling you? If so, realize you will not be alone, and that He will equip you with the courage, the heart and the Spirit to help right the course your congregation is going. Churches are not for perfect people. We are all in the same boat- sinners in need of fixing. The only reason we are different from all of those who stay home on Sunday is that we recognize that fact. That means, we need to fix our imperfect churches from time to time as well. The Evil one is like a virus. He infiltrates, then destroys from the inside out and spreads to attack the weakest, most vulnerable cells. No one is immune. Not even your elders, or pastors.Tehre are times when they, and you and me, just don’t measure up.
As long as the Foundation is sure, then the Church will stand. But, we all need a good measuring with a plumb line now and then as the Body of Christ. God is always calling His people back to the Truth. You just may be one of His measuring tapes in your congregation. If you are, He’ll let you know how to serve in that capacity. Don’t be like the disciples who walked away because what Christ was telling them to do seemed too hard. Ask where He can use you to make sure your church stays the course and continues to be a strong, direct beacon for the hurting world.
