In the Church
1 Corinthians 12:13
“To be in Christ … means to be in the church.”
—THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP
Most people have no difficulty in acknowledging Christ as an exemplary figure, and many readily acknowledge Him as God’s Son and Savior of the world. The church, however, has no such exemplary status, and its track record is less than wonderful. So while many people have no problem with Christ, they do have difficulty with the church. Yet to belong to Christ means that we do not remain solitary, but join with others to form the Christian community. The fact that this will always be a less than perfect institution means that, while we should be part of the church, our redemption does not lie there, but in Christ alone.
Prayer
Lord, help me to join the church, not as a critic or as a demander, but as one who serves. And more importantly, help me to acknowledge that problems in the church are also my problem. Amen.
What is your prayer thought for today’s lesson?