That means it isn’t just mine, it’s yours, your friend’s and even your enemies’ too.
It belongs to the seemingly grumpy old people up the back, just as much as it does to you.
Problems within it are everyone’s.
Solutions need grace and patience.
As this is how others will know we are his disciples, by the way we love one another.
Our church is a family.
But like any family, you won’t find a ‘perfect’ church either.
Our church is a bunch of sinners coming together, connected through grace.
Things will get messy and ugly. But that’s ok.
It won’t always be smooth sailing either.
Our church needs to look to Jesus, he is the one to focus on.
When we focus on Jesus, and not each other, church won’t seem so dreadful.
So, dear reader.
Be the change you want to see. Commit to a church wholeheartedly.
Invest in that church relentlessly. Pray for your church like you have never prayed before.
Be that church member you wish that your church had.
Be the person you wish you had known when you were younger.
Seek to unite, help others build bridges. Unity does not mean uniformity.
But most importantly, stay focused on Jesus. Through the good and the bad he is our example.
The church is his bride and through it all, he is by our side, relentlessly pursuing us.
No matter how bad things get, don’t give up on our church. For we are the church.
WRITER: James Paulet, attends Leongatha SDA church.