April 30, 2024
What annoys you? That may be a broad question requiring you to make a list or perform an evaluation. It could be something minor that irritates you and does not affect you that much, or it could be something so grand it leads you to frustration or even anger.
Take, for example, a crooked picture frame on the wall. It would not bother some. For others, it would be enough to make their skin crawl. The longer you look at it, the more you have the urge to correct the tragic misalignment. Once you have adjusted the angle, you feel relieved and for a moment, all is right with the world.
What does this have to do with our study this week? Everything.
For far too long, Christians and churches alike have not kept Christ at the center of all we do. We allow preferences, politics and personalities to take center stage and rob us of the mission that God intended. Even as I write these words, some in our churches are consumed with an upcoming eclipse and its role in end-times theology. Let me save you the stress and reassure you that no one knows the day or hour of Christ’s return, and an eclipse will not change anything that God has not already ordained.
These verses provide a catalog and a challenge. First, the catalog lists the sins that were points of concern. You may notice that each of these transgressions is an example of how we deal with others and the grudges we may hold. It is a crooked theology if we think we can treat others with disdain or harm others and continue to worship God. If we are to be the “spiritual sacrifices” described in this passage, we must learn to both obey and emulate the Lord Jesus.
In any construction, the foundation must not be compromised if you want to ensure a strong building. This is where many churches today are faltering. Worship, music, activities, missions, discipleship and preaching are all important ingredients in the life of a church, but they are useless if they are not based on and bathed in the gospel of Jesus. Your church may be busy doing a lot of things, but only the ones with Christ as the foundation will last. A church without Jesus at its foundation is synonymous with a weak church.
The Church’s one priority should always be sharing Christ and bringing honor to Him. We are God’s children who have been reconciled to Him by the cross — a holy people set apart from this world to be different. We are each commanded by Jesus to share in the great calling of spreading the gospel both near and far. We should leave our church campuses each Sunday with Christ alone on our minds and in our hearts.
He will never settle for being an afterthought in your church’s ministry. He must always remain our highest calling and aim. If He is not, we will be busy straightening picture frames and chasing eclipses. Straighten up and look to the One who made the stars and heavens. It is there you will find satisfaction and contentment.
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This lesson was written by Bobby McKay, pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi, and originally published by The Baptist Paper. This study is based on the Bible Studies for Life curriculum from Lifeway Christian Resources.
