If you were the only church people knew, what would they see? Do they see you lying on a raft cruising along the current of the world? Are you someone who goes to church only out of duty, but who really lives just as they do? Do they see you as a pharisee? Are you someone who looks down on others who simply just don’t get it?
The other day, I had a a raft moment. We all do. I went along with the current and laughed at something I wouldn’t normally laugh at. Something straight up mean was said. I know we all say unkind things sometimes. But, there were no hurt feelings or emotion behind the words…it was just mean. Yet, I chuckled…mostly out of discomfort…because I couldn’t believe the words came out of this person’s mouth…but still.
I’m a nice person. Sometimes too nice to stop someone when they say something they shouldn’t say. I like being nice and intend to be nice until the day I die. I will continue to give more than I take. I will continue to care about people, even when they are unkind to me. Being kind gives me peace.
I need to show myself grace, but I also need to know when the Holy Spirit is trying to lead me.
I need to work on being around those people who say things I don’t want to listen to. I am allowed to put my hand up and stop someone when they say unkind things. I am allowed stand up to things. Because, what kind of church am I being when I don’t do anything?
Not the kind of church I want people to see.
The church I want people to see is the kind who gives grace generously. I need to give and receive grace, but still know I will always need to work on things. I want to welcome people regardless of their past and show them the hope we have in Christ.
I want people to know I will stand up for what is right, regardless of who is around. I want people to know it is okay to feel uncomfortable around things that are wrong.
The church, the real church, is strong and gentle. It is confident and humble. It loves the right way. Love is not walking on eggshells.
We all need to think more about the church we are showing to the world. The church is and should be relevant to us. And it can be more relevant to others if we show them the way. Many times we are the only church people will see. I ask again, what are you showing them?
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
-Matthew 5:16
Through the Stillness 
7 responses to “To Show the World”
Great post Stacy, I really never examined enough to realize that we’re a church outside of the church building and that we’re the only church some people will ever experience… I want to thank you and the Holy Spirit for opening my eye’s to this matter… I am too a nice person and sometimes don’t speak up when the Holy Spirit prompts me too. I have been working on this aspect of my life and it has gotten easier the more I practice standing up for God in situations that call for it.
The whole point of my comment is to let you know you’ve inspired me to be a better Christian around others so God’s love reflects through me and also for others to receive the Grace God so freely gives us through me as well. Because like your post mentions we’re the only church some people will see or experience. Thank you again for sharing great insight 🙂
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You’re welcome! I’m truly humbled my post has inspired you. 🙂
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Reblogged this on Soulja 4 Christ Ministry and commented:
You’re the only church some people will see or experience, I recommend reading this great post on the subject. 🙂
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Lol I just love your commitment to being kind! This post reminds me of something that I saw on social media the other day, and is seriously the best response to mean words. Thanks for the encouragement!
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Funny you say that because I just saw a post on Facebook a few minutes ago that reminded me of my post. I wonder if it was the same one! 🙂
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Great post! “I want people to know I will stand up for what is right, regardless of who is around. I want people to know it is okay to feel uncomfortable around things that are wrong.” Despite our discomfort there is also a necessity to become okay with the messes that others experience. I am not suggesting that we approve of sin. But we have to become comfortable around the lost, and even learn to enjoy their company. In the darkness their is a great need for light. The obvious truth about the lost, therein lies the potential to be found.
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Yes, absolutely. We have to love people the way God loves us and walk alongside of them through and despite of their messes!
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