Paul on the Church # 5

"Who's in charge of this mess anyway?" Have you ever wondered that when life in the Meetinghouse gets a little chaotic? I know I have a time or two. In penning his letter to the Ephesians the apostle Paul presents several truths about the Church that are important for Christ followers to keep in mind. Today's insight is directly applicable to the opening phrase of the blog, "Who's in charge of this mess anyway?". Paul writes, "Christ is the Head of the Church, the body of which He is the Savior" (Ephesians 5:23).

So Christ is responsible for this mess? I can accept that. Actually these are SWEET words for an Administrative pastor to hear! I'm off the hook for WHFC and Jesus is the One in the hot seat... NICE! I'll let Him fret over the three year plan, attendance, finances and internal affairs, etc. NICE! :-)

Something tells me however that is not actually what Paul meant to communicate through the words of 5:23. Rather I think what he was saying to his readers is: (1) Christ is in charge and (2) we are to "do" Church His way because He earned the right to dictate as Savior of the world. It's hard to argue with that one, isn't it?

To top it all off, Paul places this truth in the middle of a discussion about the relationship between a husband and wife. As if to say, "Jesus is the head of the Church; He makes up the rules; the rules are found in His example; Go and do likewise." Relationship, relationship, relationship ... Notice, it's all about how we treat and what we do for one another ...

What does the HEAD say to the Church? (1) Love one another as Christ loved the Church (5:25). (2) Present (view) others as holy and blameless (5:26-27). As Christ works is to perfect us so we must do the same for others. And how did He performed His work? Gave Himself up! So we must die to self and live for others. (3) Nourish and care for one another (5:29-30). As Christ supplies our needs and attends to our concern so we must do the same for others.

So that is the stated expectation of the BOSS. A pretty simple job description don't you think? So what is holding us back? Possibly a surrendered life to Jesus? This lifestyle is issued out of Jesus. If one cannot participate then deductive reasoning says "that one is still missing something with Jesus!" Outside of Jesus life is a mess. The job description will be fulfilled naturally as we surrender our lives "completely" to Him. Ready to git-r-dun?

Thanks for stopping by!
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Adrian