Thank you church! I’m talking about the local church that I’m a part of, although I’m also thankful for the universal body of Christ. I’ve never been so glad to go to the house of the Lord as I have been in 2020. The pandemic shook us up pretty good. Churches have faced difficult times throughout it’s existence. Each era of difficulties are unique but there has always been one common theme, the threat to extinguish the church. Our 2020 challenges may not be as extreme compared to times past, but that doesn’t mean they are insignificant.
I know the local church is not perfect. It’s filled with sinners saved by grace who happen to be in different stages of spiritual growth. Some are babies, some are mature, and some are stunted in their growth. God loves them all and they all have a part in the local church.
Church is essential to me. It’s where I find accountability, encouragement and growth in my Christian life. I love contributing my time, talent and treasure to it. It’s the place where we greet one another, comfort one another, forgive one another, serve one another, build one another up, pray for one another. See the pattern? It’s all about one another. God made it that way because He wants us to think of others more than ourselves.
This year, I thank God for the local church because I saw it stand strong in turbulent times. I saw it step outside the box and be flexible. I saw the people of the local church go wherever the church went. Online, outside, or indoors. I saw more gratitude from our members for each other, the preacher, the teachers, the choir, our ministries and especially the altar.
Do your best to be involved. We are all a part of the body and it can’t function as effectively without all the parts. Yes, even with it’s faults, flaws and imperfections I am thankful for my local church.
Tune My Heart 