We Are One Church; The Body Of Christ

"...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place."

                                                                                                                       (2 Chron 7:14-15 NIV)

Yesterday, was the National Day of Prayer. I had the opportunity to attend both the Flagler County Sheriff Department's Prayer Breakfast and the National Day of Prayer in Bunnell. Since, I am relatively new to the area, it was a great opportunity to meet and connect with others of the faith community. I noticed that many of the prayers, including my own, referenced the scripture above from 2 Chronicles.

If those who are called by His name would only humble themselves and pray and seek His face and turn from their wicked ways is not a call to the atheist or the agnostic or anyone else who does  not believe the one true God. It is a call and a promise to those who say that they believe. If it is truly healing that we desire for the communities around us it needs to begin with a change in us; those who profess to follow Christ. We must humble ourselves and confess that we are a part of the problem when the Good News, that has been entrusted to us, is the answer. We often allow the devil to distract us with personal agendas leaving very little time or energy left to share that Good News either in word or deed. We often think so highly of ourselves that we cannot see anyone or anything else; but, the things and persons in our own little circle of friends or family. God's family is not restricted to our own little circle. He desires that all would be members of that family. But, how can they if they have not heard; if they have not been invited?

There is only one Church. With that one Church, which is the Body of Christ, there are many, many members. We are not all of the same congregation or denomination. We do not always share the same doctrines. But, we share the same faith in the one who lived and died and lives again for us and for all people. Let us learn to put aside our differences; our own egos; humbling ourselves so that we might serve together as many members of the one Church; the Body of Christ.

May God help us to turn from our wicked ways so that He may use the church on earth more fully to bring healing and wholeness to the people around us. God keep the church from being a stumbling block to others!

God's Peace - Pr. J