How Does a Caring Church Look Like?
We will continue our study of the seven churches of Revelation, an opportunity
for us to discover what a church should look like.
We who live comfortably in countries of peace and wealth could learn a lot from
the believers who live in poor countries. Take, for example, a church named
Lilly of the Valley Church, located in Desamparados, one of San Jose's poorest
areas in Costa Rica.
Their pastor, Rowe, is willing to give almost everything, even his own salary,
to support the growing number of missionaries from his church. Even though they
could benefit from obtaining a much nicer building, their first goal is to
support their missionaries working in Africa. 80% of their income goes towards
preparing new missionaries and supporting those who are already in the field.
How could they survive like this, especially with a congregation of 100 members
in 2004? Simply put, they live on faith. Their pastor can only conclude: "First
we support the missionary work, then we live on what's left over, with what
remains. Some months there's a surplus, other months there isn't. But God is
always faithful to supply all our needs."
Is it any wonder their church is growing? They live according to the church of
Philadelphia in the book of Revelation: "I know your deeds. See, I have placed
before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little
strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." (Rev 3:8,
NIV2)
The Philadelphian church, unlike most of the other churches in the book of
Revelation, is quite different. They are aware that they have no strength in
themselves, that their strength comes from the Lord: "For when I am weak, then I
am strong." (2Cor 12:10b, NIV2) This is why their deeds are effective. Just like
the Lilly of the Valley Church, they depend solely on their Father. The Word
from our Father is so precious to them that they follow it above anything else,
even over their own desires. No way would they ever deny Jesus. He is too real
to them. He is truly their everything!
It's no wonder that Jesus has placed before them an open door that no one can
shut. They are the true witnesses of the Most High who put God above anything
else. Their testimony is void of pretense but filled with compassion. They
realize that the One they love is way above anything else. Their testimony
touches the hearts of those who hear them, for their words are not just words.
Instead, they are accompanied by compassionate actions.
No wonder those who oppose them eventually will: "…fall down at your feet and
acknowledge that I have loved you." (Rev 3:9b, NIV2) No one is able to deny that
fact, as God's love has totally changed their heart, so much that they can't
help but love others through word and action. No strings attached! They live the
love of Christ as He lives in them.
Not only that, they ". . . Have kept my command to endure patiently . . . " (Rev
3:10b, NIV2) Nothing can faze them. Trials and adversity are part of life, and
they realize these are opportunities to experience Jesus even more fully. They
know He will see them through.
They are the ones who live according to Matthew 5:16 "Let your light shine
before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in
heaven." (Matt 5:16b, NIV2) Notice that their deeds are what attracts people,
and this is what leads others to come to praise our Father in heaven. Words
without action are devoid of love and means nothing: "Faith without deeds is
dead." (Jas 2:26b, NIV2).
Who else could claim: "We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we
bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer
kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world-right up
to this moment." (1Cor 4:12-13, NIV2)
They truly shine far and wide as they reflect our Father's light around them,
without any strings attached!
A loving church is possible, but not without sacrifice. Are we willing to go
there?
Rob Chaffart
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