What is the Church?

CONSIDER THIS

You probably heard the story: Two guys are walking in the woods when they see a bear. One of them prepares to run away. The other one gawks, “Are you crazy? You can’t outrun a bear!” The first guy replies, “I don’t need to outrun the bear. I just need to outrun you.”

As he closes his letter to the Colossians, the apostle Paul gives shout-outs to ten people. At first glance, it appears to be a whole lot of “Little Joe says hello!” and yet, when we slow down and read it carefully, we get an amazing insight into how the early church operated. Some names are familiar, others are “how am I supposed to pronounce that one?” Some are faithful and fervent. Others are faltering and fickle and fallen. All are forgiven, saved by His grace.

Each one of us is called to live for Him, to share the gospel, to love people, to serve others. How encouraging to know He equips us the moment He calls us and gives us everything we need — He is more than enough! He even gives us each other. God designed us to do life and ministry together in community. This is who the church is! We’re called not to outrun each other, but to run together, working side by side, called and equipped to do His work. 

With each step we take, remember Paul’s closing words: Grace be with you!