Today's Daily Bread
A Working Church
My wife, Shirley, and I enjoyed a cruise along the fjords of Norway
in celebration of our 50th wedding anniversary. As we journeyed
northward, we stopped in numerous towns and villages, often visiting
churches. Among them was a 12th-century church that our guide described
proudly as “still a working church.” I asked, “What do you mean?” She
referred to the days of the state church, when the state-appointed
pastors simply collected their paychecks but no one attended the
services. But this church had been faithfully holding worship services
and actively serving the Lord for almost 1,000 years!
I immediately thought of the seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3 to
whom Jesus said, “I know your works” (2:2,9,13,19; 3:1,8,15). In
addition, the church of Thessalonica was commended by the apostle Paul
for its “work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord
Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 1:3).
I also thought of my church at home. For more than 130 years it has
been faithful in preaching and caring for its congregation and
community. It is truly a “working church.” What a privilege we have if
we’re part of a local body of believers where we can grow and serve our
Lord!
Lord, thank You for placing us into Your family and
giving us the privilege and responsibility to serve
You through our churches. May we be a shining light
of Your love to our communities and the world.
giving us the privilege and responsibility to serve
You through our churches. May we be a shining light
of Your love to our communities and the world.
The church is a living body and must have working parts.
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