Connected to Christ!

Colossians 2:18-21 (New Living Translation)

18 Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on pious self-denial or the worship of angels, saying they have had visions about these things. Their sinful minds have made them proud, 19 and they are not connected to Christ, the head of the body. For he holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it.

We know the church is the body of believers, and each member has a part in the body. I am pretty sure I am the little finger, so here is my question. Am I to understand that if the little finger (which is me) has been hurt that it is the body (members of the church) that can hold me together when my life is falling apart? I do believe this is the design from God! Church should not be just doing a variety of activities, but a place where if we will allow the resources that God gave to us, heal broken hearts, overcome the damage done from abusive backgrounds, encourage the depressed to move forward, restore families, and reach out to people that are hopeless, lost and undone. If this is what the church should be, then something is wrong! I have been criticized and judged more from people on the inside, than outside the church! So how can we get to the point where we love and reach out and do battle for that one that is hurting? Of course there is only one Way, and Jesus is the Way. Spending time in the Word, praying and then listening to the leading of the Holy Spirit. How many times have you had someone to share their struggles with you, and your mind is somewhere else, or you do say "Well, I will pray for you", and then you completely forget to pray. I am not picking on you, I am ashamed to say that I have done this. We must reach out and show people we do care about what they are going through. God has given us the power of the Holy Spirit so we can be his instrument in healing souls, we just have to release it. Please really listen to that one that needs help and let God use you! You will be blessed to!

5 comments:

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

I am quitly at saying I will pray for you and then forget. I know God knows our heart but I like to say each and every name.
Ginger

Musings of A Minister said...

This is tough stuff. Tough to hear--but true. Yes, I am ashamed to say the church--all of us, need to listen to your words and pay attention. But we need to do more than just hear your words we need to change. Thanks for writing with courage and telling us what we need to hear. The church needs to live in such a way that the world sees the heart of God.

RCUBEs said...

And right now, there are so many hurting ones around us, families and friends, aside from our own trials we all face. It is sad when the church is not in unity with some things that need to be done. It's only by God's strength and grace that we are able to accomplish what God wants us to do. God bless.

Sue said...

Hi Shirley,
You have certainly given me a lot of things to think on today, especially about making sure that I really do listen when someone is sharing their heart. IMy desire is to never do anything to cause someone to stumble. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Sue

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Dear Shirley,
You have shared a very thought provoking post! The Church has failed so many unfortunately because she is not perfect. You have given many of us much to think and pray about. I have been on the receiving end of criticism many times {having been a pastor's wife} and so I try very hard not to let anyone else down. Unfortunately, I'm not perfect either! Please God, give us all a heart after Your own so we will glorify You with our very lives! Thank you for posting, and I'm sorry I'm late getting around to you. I have been away. Have a lovely week.

Blessings,
Sandi