The church is not perfect. Sometimes we wish it were.
Sometimes we even think it is. Moments of Christ in
action through the church move us to joyous thanksgiving.
Other moments painfully remind us that the church is made
up of persons like ourselves. We are the body of Christ, the
church. And we carry all of who we are into the church. So it
should not surprise us that the body of Christ is broken and
fractured. The conflicts, halting discipleship, fragile faith,
timid witness, and qualified commitment are a natural outgrowth
of who we are as individual Christians.
While we may look at the church in its various expressions
with joy at times and dismay at others, we must
remember that new life is possible. Transformation can
begin today. Resurrection power is available to us and can
be invested in the church this very moment. With God’s
help we can initiate change this very day!
This is true because our first line of defense against further
brokenness lies within each of us. My efforts to stop the
brokenness and to take the first step to reform and transform
the church must begin with me. My prayer for a holy church
marked by righteousness and love can be answered only as
I yield my life to the way of Jesus Christ and the power of
the Holy Spirit. The transformation begins with me. What a
liberating thought! I am not powerless and without options.
With God’s help I can surrender my life to the transforming,
life-giving power of the Holy Spirit and in that very
moment begin the journey toward the wholeness and faithfulness
I want to see in the church.
By Rueben P. Job from the Upper Room: 60 Days of Prayer for General Conference 2016