Christian Living

The Church of Jesus is alive and thriving

by Lorraine Taylor
02/26/20
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'Church' does not just happen inside an institutional building. That is the traditional form of 'church' that represents one way, but not the only way to express one's Faith.

If we as believers model the message of Jesus as a holistic lifestyle, we are the 'church' of Christ wherever we are. One's Faith is not only displayed in traditional means, but Faith is manifested and shown in our daily way of being and in how we relate with others.

If we as believers are the sent-ones, where is it we are being sent, and what then is our mission? Is not the message Jesus came to bring a radical new way of being? 'Church' happens at the local store, in restaurants, on the streets, in cafes, and while sitting around tables openly communing with one another in meaningful discourse.

Christianity is not declining as a way of being, but it is openly expressed outside of the traditional institutional buildings and in numerous ways around the world.

There is no one right denomination, non-denomination, nor does one 'church' body have the only form in which to express the Christian faith. No one has arrived. Denominational dogma --- divides, separates, and categorizes persons that directly confronts the message of Jesus.

Jesus brought a message, and a way to be that does not follow the way the world solves issues, treats people, and resolves conflicts.

Christianity is not about me, claiming I am right, and you are wrong. Or I am a real Christian, and you are not. Or you must do this, this or that, conforming to my view of a Christian, and if you don't, then you are wrong.

A Christian does not go along with accepting weak ways of relating by others. In the Christian community, there are moral codes, ethical considerations, and thoughtfulness when connected on projects, serving in committees, and working towards a joint mission.

No one is above or below another in this community, including leaders and titled persons. All are treated in the same manner, speaking truthfully and using sound wisdom and godly discernment in their conduct and relational interactions.

Christian's follow through with commitments or drop them. Christian's do what they say they will, or apologize. As believers we learn to only take on roles and responsibilities we have the time and energy to fulfill.

There are no members in this community who are excused from fulfilling the roles they have taken on or who are the exception to the way relationships are to be carried out and handled. In this community of believers, the members consider the way they treat others and the way they are to be respectful to everyone, and they follow through with responsibilities and roles they have accepted and taken upon themselves to do.

Accountability within this community means I am accessible, available to others in the roles I have accepted. Accountability means if someone is not fulfilling the duties they accepted, then consequences follow, and truthful conversation takes place - again, no exceptions.

Believers either do what they say, and their word is trustworthy or not. Christians who are unable to do what they say must evaluate their schedules and see if they are too busy.

Then the right path is to drop those tasks that they cannot possibly complete and measure what they can do within their capacity and limits. We all must be aware of our own limits and capacity to take on projects to accept roles and responsibilities.

Leaders and believers who become not trustworthy are indeed a discouraging, disappointing, and often frustrating experience as we would want to hope and pray believers to take seriously that their word is their bond.

Faithfulness, loyalty, and commitment become high standards of the way believers engage in this world with others and with one another.

The body of Christ is the temple of Jesus Christ and His life is alive and thriving around the world.

The Biblical church God desires to build resides in people - not institutions!