The Church Is On Display
They are watching to see whether following Christ actually makes a difference.
The Church Is On Display
I was talking to another pastor about the church. He was saying that the church is like a theater for the world. The Gospel is portrayed on the church’s movie screen while the world becomes its audience.
Really, that’s not a bad illustration of what is taking place. God has revealed His plan of redemption to us and has directed us to get that message to the world. That plan is being played out every day, in every church in America. But, maybe a movie screen is not the best analogy.
It’s really more like a play in which we all have parts and roles with a script and a director. The difference is that a stage requires a live performance and it can really go wrong when we don’t stick to the script.
The truth is that the American church is not very good at that. It can be a pretty brutal performance when people start going off script, talking over each other, doing their own thing, fighting with each other, changing their lines and not listening to the director. That stuff creates chaos and it doesn’t honor God.
We are being watched by the world around us. They are looking for God and they are watching the church to see whether church works or not. They are watching to see whether following Christ actually makes a difference.
The answer is a resounding “YES!!” but the world would never know it from watching most churches. How could they? Many church people don’t look any different from the world around them. So, those who are watching just roll their eyes and say, “See? That guy is just like the rest of us.”
Remember, as Christians, we are on a stage for everyone to see. When they turn their eyes toward you will they find Jesus or will they just see more of what the world has to offer? You are the face of Jesus to the world around you.
Colossians 3:17
“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
