Where is Christ? The church believes that Christ is the answer to the world’s problems. However, our lives and our messages do not demonstrate that. The modern church message is selfish and materialistic, which goes against the Gospel of Christ. As Christians, we are God’s arm of hope, love, and righteousness for a world that desperately needs those things. We are Christ’s Body (1 Cor. 12, Ephesians 4), and as His body, we are Christ to the world.
Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, “May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ” (2 Thess. 3:5 NASB). This verse says a lot. First, it reminds all of us that we need God’s help. There is no doubt that the world needs God’s love. But sadly, many do not know His love, including some of those who sit in church on Sunday mornings. Many have a form of love, but that love falls short of being God’s love. Remember, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NASB). God’s love is for the world. There is no room for ethnocentric ideologies. His love exceeds the hierarchy of genders. And Yes, Republicans, He loves Democrats too! Democrats, He also loves those “Trump Supporters.” God’s love is sacrificial (John 3:16, Romans 5:8). His love is not selfish but giving. God’s love also serves others. Nothing is more potent in the world than His body loving the way He does. However, we need His help to show His love. You and I need the Lord to “direct us into the love of God” (2 Thess. 3:5 NASB). God’s Spirit fills our hearts with God’s love (Romans 5:5), and anything short of allowing God to help us to love will lead to discouragement, bitterness, and hopelessness.
Paul also desires for the Thessalonian believers to have the steadfastness of Christ (2 Thess. 3:5). Christ was unmovable, even when faced with death. He remained faithful to His Father and His purpose. Being wishy-washy in the faith is worthless. The world does not need to see believers that go back and forth or run in times of trouble. If we go back and forth or run when things get complicated, we show everyone else we do not believe our message. The world must see unmovable believers because of their faith in Christ, even when threatened with death. Christians must stand firm in Christ for everyone to witness. Christ did not run. Christ remained steadfast and unmovable, and as His body, we must have the steadfastness of Christ.
Where is Christ? As the church, we are Christ to the world. We are His hands reaching out. We are His feet going where He desires for us to go. Without the love of God, we are just noisy (1 Cor. 13:1). Without the steadfastness of Christ, we are not suitable to help anyone, anytime. Sadly, this is how the church appears to many around us. It is up to us to allow God to change that perspective by being Christ to the world. As I end, I pray, “May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ” (2 Thess. 3:5 NASB).
In Christ,
Pastor Josh May
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