If Only . . .

If Only . . .

Christ is also the head of the church,which is his body.

Colossians 1:18

The idea of the church is a fascinating concept, dreamed up by God. Who else would think of throwing together every kind of sinner and “baddie” in the world and form them into a cohesive family whose members love and support one another through good times and bad? Oh, yes, the church was built specifically for sinners, not for perfect people. And if that is not the case, Christ died for nothing.

Do you ever wonder, then, why we are often so surprised and shocked when we see people—ordinary people—in the church commit sins of all kinds? After all, becoming a Christian does not automatically turn us into perfect people. We are all still sinners; Christians are just forgiven sinners who have banded together to try to survive and serve God. So we need to cut one another a lot of slack and work hard on the love and support parts, rather than on the criticism part.

Famous preacher Henry Ward Beecher was once contemplating buying a horse. After Beecher had looked over many of them, the owner of the stables finally burst out in praise of one particularly fine animal.

“Now here’s a horse that’s really sound. He can go any gait. He stands without hitching, works anyplace you put him, goes when you want him to, and stops the minute you say, ‘Whoa.’ He is perfectly gentle yet full of spirit. He has no bad traits—doesn’t kick, doesn’t bite, comes when you call him, and doesn’t run off when he sees something strange.”

With a wistful look in his eye, Mr. Beecher sighed and said, “If only that horse were a member of my church.”

Heavenly Father, I love your church, and I love my brothers and sisters in the church, warts and all. Thank you for loving and supporting me through my spiritual family. I don’t know how I would get through life without them. Amen.