bits from bob....

The Church

collected by Robert J. Young
©, 2002, Robert J. Young
[permission is given to reprint with credit noted]

This week I share two articles which focus our attention on the nature of the church.

I AM YOUR CHURCH

I am your church. Make of me what you will. I shall reflect you as clearly as a mirror.
If outwardly my appearance is pleasing and inviting, it is because you have made me so.
If within, my spiritual atmosphere is kindly yet earnest, reverent yet friendly, worshipful yet celebrative, sympathetic yet strong, divine yet humanly expressed, it is but the manifestation of your spirit.
But if you should be chance find me a bit cold or dull, I beg of you not to condemn me, for I show forth the kind of life I receive from you.
Of this you may always be assured; I will respond instantly to your every wish practically expressed, for I reflect the image of your own souls.

Make of me what you will.

_________________________

THE CHURCH
The church is composed of people like me.
We make it what it is.
We want it to be a church that is a lamp to the path of the pilgrims, leading them to goodness, truth and beauty.
It will be, if I am. It will be friendly, if I am.
Its pews will be filled if I help to fill them.
It will do a great work if I work.
It will make generous gifts to many causes if I am a generous giver.
It will bring other people to its worship and fellowship if I bring them.
It will be a church with a noble spirit, filled with love and loyalty, of faith, and fearlessness--If I, who make it what it is, am filled with these.

Therefore, with the help of God, I shall dedicate myself to the Lord and His church to bring all these things about that I wish the church to be.


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Last updated January 7, 2002.