So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.
1 Corinthians 14:12 ESV
People go to church for many reasons. Several years ago, I did a very unscientific survey in churches I was visiting. I made it a point to ask people, “Why did you come to church today?” The most popular response by a mile was, “Because it’s Sunday,” or some variation on that wording. I thought that was funny at the time, but now I almost miss that very unspiritual mindset. In those days, not so long ago, churchgoing was considered a proper and good thing. It could be a resume point for business or political advancement. Now, no one really seems to notice much.
Back then, I was trying to encourage people to come to church in faith, believing God for the benefits that He promises for being part of a local body of believers. I wanted church to be more than a box to be checked off the weekly to-do list. Please come to church believing you will be equipped for service by the ministry gifts, encouraged to action by other believers, powerfully touched by the Presence of God, and established on the Word by good Bible teaching. But today, can I get you to think of what Paul said here in 1 Corinthians? Would you consider going to church today and striving to excel in building up the church?
Ephesians 4 tells us two things we can do to edify the church:
- Speak edifying words (Ephesians 4:29)
- Do your part. (Ephesians 4:16)
There are others, but can you imagine what a joy it would be if we had one Sunday a month where everybody picked one or the other of these 2 things and did them? How about we try it out today and see what happens?
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