It's time that the Chruch woke up! Part 2

When we read the book of Acts we come across various works of the Apostles and some of the early Church believers. It amazes me how things used to be. People used to gather everyday and break bread!

"And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart..." Acts 2:46

Let's look at this verse very closely. The people gathered daily at the Temple with one accord, meaning they had a oneness to start with. Believe me, getting people to agree is one thing and having them to continue in agreement is another. Everyone has got their own ideas and opinions, all of which may not necessarily be correct but they have it anyway. People view things differently and therefore understand things diversely, resulting in a vision that could be poles apart from yours. To me the only way to truly get oneness is by the Holy Spirit working through us. The disciples while they were with Jesus weren't exactly in agreement with one another. They constantly bickered on who was the greatest among them. It was like a Mr. Universe contest only the title here was who the greatest follower/disciple of Christ was. 

                    You see this problem exists in the Church even today. People vie for the attention to such an extent they would be willing to do anything to gain favour. Had people sought the Lord's favour, things would have been wonderful. People have huge complexes in the Church, they start comparing themselves to one another. Paul commented on this matter:

"For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. " 2Cor 10:12

Paul says those indulgent in such habits are not wise! Another colorful illustration of this is given in:

"For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?  If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?" 1Cor 12:14-17

Here we see that the foot is comparing itself to the hand while the eye is comparing itself with the ear. Paul sees the absurdity of the idea right from the start; however the foot and the eye is obviously unaware of their real problem. Why are comparisons being made in the Church? For whatever the reasons I do not think it is appropriate since Jesus never compared anyone to anyone. We find this even happening in home where parents begin to compare between their own children and even with other children. When we resort to this tactic, we rather sap the self confidence of an individual than build them up. There is much we can learn from Jesus in this area. Paul here is trying to tell the Church that each person/member is unique, having their own position and function within the body. No one is greater and none the lesser, rather all are equals working together to achieve the goal by allowing each member to use their abilities and gifts from there set positions. One of the keys to understanding this is to know your position first. Imagine this, if the eye were placed where the ear is would it be helpful to the body probably yes, if the body were that of a chameleon. How about, if the feet exchanged places with the hand? How would that look and how would it work? 

              People must realize their position first in order to be able to function. Brothers and sisters you are where you are for a function that God wants you to do. satan uses this ploy of comparison to bring disunity in the Body of Christ and unless we realize this, you and I may become victims of it. We can get hurt and do things rashly but that's not going to solve the problem. We need to recognize and approach this disease using spiritual weapons and not carnal ones:

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ..." 2Co 10: 4-5 

Never get provoked if someone is comparing you to someone else. You were made unique by the hands of God Himself

"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well."  Psa 139:14

The psalmist knew this and that brought out the best in him. You must realize that no one is better than you, neither are you better than anyone. We stand accountable to Him alone, so let's not get into satan's trap.

Getting back to Acts 2:46, we see that the people not only met regularly at the Temple but they would come together to share meals at different homes. Truly, this is something that is missed today. Today we have no time to visit people, forget about sharing a meal with them. People need to be taught or told to visit people; they will not do it otherwise. What a sad state of affairs. We have hit rock bottom people! There seems to be a desire to fellowship but nothing really materializes. You might say, sure I do make visits and yes I do share meals with others. Good if you do. But how often does it happen? Does it happen with the same people or are many included? I came to a committed life in Christ seeing fellowship. In those days of my early believerhood, we met daily even if it was for a cup of tea, there were no prior appointments. I used to experience a love that I’d never seen or heard before. I praise God for giving me such an experience. This is why I am here today still in Christ. I therefore, have an example to follow and impart.

               I believe emphasis must be given to getting together regularly. Sometimes we forget the little things and emphasize the big ones. We forget to meet regularly but give more importance to an annual get-together. A Church that gathers regularly is far healthier than those who gather annually. When I say gathering I do not include Bible studies or prayer meetings. I truly believe if we can tap into this something really wonderful will happen in the Church; something not limited by our selfish natures. I am absolutely certain that God will work wonders if we only give Him freedom to.Be blessed everyone.