I Love the Church

The criteria required for something to qualify as the "excellent way" of love is vast. There are 17 qualifications in 1 Corinthians 13. I firmly believe, based on observation, that this love is unattainable and can only be imparted by God. Indeed, it is also doctrinally supported (considering that love is a fruit of the spirit, not a law given by a new Moses). "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

Therefore it was an incredible experience today when I realized that I truly love the church. I wonder what this means for my life hereafter... Any thoughts?

For most of my life I had very little liking for the church at all. It is only in more recent years that I have become interested in, and affectionate towards the church. Love is a fruit of the spirit after all. If there is anything I learned from Don Petker's latest sermon, it is the impossibility of achieving love apart from God. He went through and explained what each of 17 criteria meant. The standards soar way into the heavens, all the way up to the throneroom of God. Incidentally, Jesus said that no one can get there apart from Him. To judge ourselves by the full text of 1 Corinthians 13; to see us match-up in a way that is even close, is about as difficult as following the Law of Moses. But (praise be to God!), I think God has done something in me to enable me to love. Let's take a look:

Love is patient,

I am very patient with the greater church and also my local church. I wait for fads to subside. I wait for heroes and leaders to arise. I do not cop out whenever I feel like it. I let my anger pass, and try to see the best in the present state of affarirs.

Love is kind,

I speak highly of the church. I invest my efforts without expecting much in return. I defend the docrtines of the church. I look for any way I can to help within it.

It does not envy,

I do not envy other denominations that win converts. I do not envy the great big and more successful mega-churches. I do not envy the programs and musicians (though I would like to... something manages to stop me).

It does not boast,

I do not exalt myself above the church or in the church. Rather, I include myself within it, humbling myself where necessary, and praising myself alongside the church when prompted.

It is not proud,

My previous comment applies here as well. In a sense, I am proud of the church. I am proud to be a part of it in many ways. Yet, I am also critical of its faults and heretical movements. I certainly do not use the church as an avenue in any way for gloating. I have purposefully stayed at King Road (a fairly humble church) as opposed to a nicer, newer and larger church in which I could be playing on better worship teams, and could have a larger social network.

It is not rude,

I am extremely reverential toward the church and within the church. I am eminently aware of most sacredities that the church treasures. I make an effort to be a peacemaker within and between churches.

It is not self-seeking,

I have been tempted at times to leave to different churches. Yet I have decided to stay at the one which I am at for a number reasons related to selflessness. I love the church because Jesus loves the church, not because I so much to gain from it. I do anticipate the reward which the church offers of course. On the other hand, I do not see the church as a means to the end of temporal pleasures.

It is not easily angered,

It takes a desperately wicked sin before I even begin to consider the fault of a church. Some doctrinal heresies make me very angry. But on petty matters, I take a very long time to become angry.

It keeps no record of wrongs,

I know quite a bit of church history for a 19-year-old. I do not forget the sins of the church. On the other hand, I am so ready to forgive them, and I find the explanations for why the church fell into their errors more apt to arouse sympathy than judgment.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

This portion has so much conceptual depth, but I can suffice to say that I love orthodoxy. I hate heresies and in the postmodern Christian movements gone awry. I take no delight in the evils of the church, or my own evil dispositions in relating to the church. And I truly do "rejoice." When the church follows the truth, I rejoice in body mind and spirit!

It always protects,

I am an aspiring apologist for the church. I defend the church with my life. There are few things in world I care more about protecting.

Always trusts,

I, more than most expect the church to be acting well all the time. I am shocked when it does not act on its ordained role. I trust that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church.

Always hopes,

I always hope the church will improve its moral and theological insights. I always hope that it will grow in its "knowledge and depth of insight." If there is even a hint of Christian doctrine left in a church, I never leave it to burn. I always think that God in Christ willl improve and equip the church.

Always perseveres.

I have not given up on anything church related. I have never had a season in my life where I have ceased going to church because of feelings. I have never ceased striving to improve the church. Relating to perseverance, I have not allowed the other faculties of love to subside over time.

Love never fails.

And love has not failed me. I have never been disappointed because I have loved the church. Conversely, I have been rewarded by the church, and I have been able to help the church. Love has made so many things right, and it has miraculously enabled me to have a wonderful relationship with the body of Christ. "To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."