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In the last short article on the topic of the perfect church, we considered how each of us can contribute to being that perfect church, a church with which we all desire to be associated. We are very much aware there exists no perfect church; when people are involved, perfection is never attained. That does not mean, however, we can’t strive to be more than what we currently are.
Speaking of our last bulletin entry, we learned that we are to obey them that are leading us in the narrow way, respecting the work they do. As we do this, we are to be a peaceable people, that is, as much as lies within us, let us be at peace one with another. Conflicts arise naturally enough, don’t be the cause of them and when they do arrive see what you can do to be a solution to the disruption. Remember there are some who are not as strong spiritually, emotionally, or even physically as others, do what you can to help them along in their journey to be better tomorrow than they are today.
So, with this before us, let us consider some points of application from 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18; let us see what other contributions each of us can make to being a part of the “perfect church”? First, if one does you wrong, do not render evil for evil. It is much more difficult to apply this than we might think. Some tend to lash out, but we must restrain ourselves with whatever extraordinary effort is required. I can be as guilty as others in this matter, but instead of lashing out, be sure you (we) do what is good toward them. Second, a Christian is to “rejoice evermore.” Seems to be a tall order, I suspect. But is it really? The Holy Spirit is not saying that when troubles arise you can’t or won’t give indications of the painful experience, only that when you have this anguish, you have something to look forward to in spite of it all, and in this you should rejoice evermore. Third, with such pain and rejoicing, let us pray. Is there ever a time when we should not pray? I can’t think of any, so let us thank the Lord because of who He is, what He has done for us, and what can we do for Him. Let us thank the Lord for His blood-purchased institution (the church), for our family, for the income we have whether small or large, let us thank Him for the beauty of the day (even if in inclement weather), praise the Lord, and let us praise Him all the day in those things we think and say.
In this second of three short articles, we want to be reminded of what we can do to be a contributor to a local church that strives to be the perfect church. Though we have a desire to be part of it, we are surely aware of the fact there is never a perfect church to be seen (or experienced), yet we can certainly strive toward that end though we are all imperfect people. RT