We Live In The Home We All Built

Sitting in the waiting room of my dentist, I ran across the above title in a magazine. The paragraph attached to the title was an attempt to sensitize the reader to their personal responsibility for the present condition of our planet. In fact, each individual has a responsibility to care for our earthly home and each individual has contributed to the state of our present environment.

Immediately, my mind went to the parallels this principle has for the impact of individual believers in the church. In reality “we live in the church home that we all built.” The Bible says in 1 Peter 2:5 that each of us is a living stone being built into a spiritual house (the house of God’s dwelling – the church). This Bible verse alludes to important facts about being a living stone in the spiritual house (church) God has placed you in.

First, each believer is a resource in the hand of a Master Builder to be used for a specific purpose according to His design. God has a specific plan and He has a specific purpose for you in that plan. Because this is true, each of us has a responsibility to care and build up the local “spiritual house” (church) where we are placed by the Spirit.

Second, my partnership and participation in the church is key to the successful building of the spiritual house. I have found that just one brick missing from the wall of a house leaves a hole and can cause big problems! One shingle missing from a roof or one piece of siding missing from the wall, and one believer missing in action and not serving in their role in their local church – all leave a hole making the home vulnerable to pests, disease, in-climate circumstances, and deterioration, etc. Yet, the reverse is also true when those missing pieces are in place, the natural home and the spiritual house are alike built up, stand strong, and move forward. No matter how small you think your role is – nevertheless, there is a great need for you and your ministry! Each individual Christian at Live Oaks has contributed to the state of our present church environment.

It is impossible in a family for one or two people to do all that is necessary to meet the weekly practical, relational, and spiritual needs. It takes the contribution of all members on each of these levels for the family to prosper in peace. Jodi and I as your pastors along with the Ministry Directors realize the value of each person in our church family. The plain truth is - we could not make it, let alone accomplish God’s will for our body without YOU! We are in this spiritual family together and every person and family is important. My prayer is that each of us catch a renewed vision for our God-given responsibility in building up the body of Christ, first at Live Oaks and then beyond. Don’t minimize small steps or a recommitment to discipleship basics like daily prayer, daily bible reading, consistent church attendance, giving of tithes and offerings, and talking about your faith in Christ as the Spirit gives you opportunity… These basics are important! However, God will also have specific work especially for you to do that will make all the difference not only in your life but in the lives of others. Trust Him in stepping forward into this new work. In faith, let’s together commit to take our place in the building of our “spiritual house” and consistently stand in place while God’s building goes forward.

Taking my place in the wall – and thankful for all who are doing the same!

Pastor Kelley