I wish all of you could have seen how much work went into our church last week.
“Oh, you mean all the changes we’ve made around here, Pastor Ryan? Yep. It’s beautiful to see the new paint, the work on the floors, the new lighting…”
Well, sure, those things are nice.
But I’m trying to see this from GOD’S perspective. What kind of work do you think HE was doing last week?
Here’s a hint: it’s immaterial.
As much as we talk about good work going on “in the church,” I don’t want us to be sloppy with our words. I have to catch myself as I talk about this project, because, in God’s eyes, the work going on in the church is a lot more important than the work going on in the church building.
We, the people, are the church—the body of Christ—and our body has been exercising this week! God uses things to grow people more than people to grow things, and God is using this renovation project to grow each person that is involved.
Some are involved from home—praying and loving others however they can. A few key people are on vacations—that’s to be expected during the summer—and others are just physically unable to help with the labor, but SO many have told me that they WANT to be there! Others are putting time into other things that will edify the body—teachers are preparing lessons, merciful people are calling and visiting the needy, servants are serving, encouragers are encouraging… each member is doing his or her part to edify the body, and THAT is what this is all about.
When God looks down on Calvary Baptist Church, what is HE most interested in? Sure, paint and carpet are nice, but I think He’s pleased with your heart that loves to serve Him.
—Pastor Ryan