A Member in Good Standing
for our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20 NASB
Citizenship – Almost 100 years ago, Oswald Chambers said, “The Church ceases to be a spiritual society when it is on the look-out for the development of its own organization.”[1] It doesn’t appear as though the Church as a whole has learned much from Chambers’ remark in the last century. Apparently Sha’ul had the same concern in the first century of this era. That’s why it is important to realize that the word he chose here is not “citizenship.” It is politeuma, used in the New Testament to describe the commonwealth of all followers of the Way, the community of the saints. This reminds us that Yeshua made no distinctions whatsoever between the ones who followed His instructions. They are known by their love for each other regardless of prior experience, ethnic background, social status or any other demarcation. The only thing that matters is that they are one Body in Him. To be a member in good standing in the Body of the Messiah is to actively care for the other members of the Body. Period! No doctrinal distinction, no attendance badges, no statements of faith or denominational affiliation has any bearing on the actions taken by those who follow Yeshua. If you love Him, you will love His own. You will act with benevolence at cost to yourself toward those who are also attempting to follow. Period.
We could almost say that division is of the devil. Paul nearly says that. Certainly strife, quarrels and the need to be right no matter what are not part of loving each other. The truth matters, of course, but the truth is that those for whom the “truth” matters more than compassion are probably not grasping the truth at all. Perhaps the real test of truth is quite a bit simpler than theological correctness. Perhaps the real test is, “Do you care enough to do something about it?” whatever that “something” happens to be.
Chambers touched a sensitive nerve with his observation. The natural appetite of Man is to take the fruit from the Tree. It appears so beautiful, just like all those marvelous examples of architecture in cathedrals. It looks good for nourishment, just like all the technologically-savvy enhancements to Sunday teaching. It appeals to the senses, just like great praise and worship bands, orchestrated sermons and comfortable pews. But I doubt anyone thinks about the Tree when they desire more building, more programs, more staff and more evangelism. What do you think would happen to the Church (with a capital C) if the only activity was taking care of each other? Would we still need that low-hanging fruit from the Tree? Would we still need a place for the Tree to grow? Or would we find that caring for each other is an activity that best occurs where people are in need, not where we come to talk about their needs?
Topical Index: Church, community, citizenship, membership, politeuma, Philippians 3:20
[1] Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, July 12.
“We could almost say that division is of the devil.”
“The truth matters, of course, but the truth is that those for whom the “truth” matters more than compassion are probably not grasping the truth at all.”
Two most important points IMO.
Ha Satan tests us, but it is our job to “build bridges.”
We can know the truth, but without compassion truth is a meaningless abstraction.
Shalom and Thanks Skip….well done, if it is not about people than what are we doing?
I am surprised that more have not responded to this one.
Blessings
Amen. Two comments.
One that give me great comfort in “times like these:” – He said, (it does matter, right?)- “I will build my church”. That is His business. It is what He is doing. He is (now, today and for some time now) building a bride for Himself. My suggestion? – We shouldn’t stand in front of a locomotive when it is headed towards us, – What He promises, He performs, – “I will build my church.”
If you are Methodist, Baptist, Episcopalian, Vegetarian or any of the other flavors of Baskin Robbins,- “it matters not”- “the LORD knows those that are His.” How do I know this? Same way you do, – “it is written.” Oh, and just in case your little “special” group thinks they are are alone, He has said (also)- “other sheep have I which are not of this fold.” The present body (and future bride) of Christ is just a tad bigger than we know.
Me? -I’m glad to be “a tiny cog on a great big wheel,” and in constant amazement that I am so blessed to be called (one of) “the children of G-d.”
Remember Ruth. Was she a Jew? (yes and no) Was she a Gentile? (yes and no). Now think of me. Who am I? -or more accurately- who are we? We are, dear friends, (to be honest) -Ruth. And He is our (those who belong to Him) our Boaz, our Kinsman-Redeemer, the ONE who gave Himself for all (and for each) of us. Yes, if “any man” -that’s me!- be “in Christ.” Jew, Gentile, Barbarian, Sycthian, (what’s a Sycthian?) bond or free..- if any man (male or female, fat, skinny or pimply) be “in Christ.”) The big question remains to be answered.. (check yes or no)- Do I (now, today) belong to Him? Have I (or have I not) been “bought with a price?” -Let the redeemed of the LORD say so. Amein? Yes, -“may it be so..”
This so touched my heart today! It is not what see within His Body at this point. I have been praying to see this for years.
So beautifully expressed Skip
I am new to this blog, so I have lots of questions…here’s one: What is the definition of evangelism? Is it not a gift? Does the Lord not use some with that gifting to find His lost sheep?
Kathy I see no one responded to your question. My definition of evangelism would be “make disciples” and our example of that would be Yeshua. It looks alot different than what the “church” has been teaching.
Welcome to the blog.
Shalom
Please note that the command in Matthew is NOT to make disciples. It is to disciple. There is a subtle but important difference. I gave some lectures on this somewhere.
Somewhere?? It would be interesting to know what those differences are.
The lectures were part of a series I taught on the Hebraic view of evangelism. Unfortunately, I can’t seem to find any recording. Generally I idea of discipling is that our obligation is not to MAKE a disciple but to be involved in the actions of discipling regardless of the outcome (which is God’s anyway).
Yes I agree, this was just a matter of wording which is Greek anyway. The meaning you gave is how I really meant it…..sorry.
Shalom
Okay Janet, ( and ETC.,) One more person will answer by sharing July 12, from Oswald Chamber’s book that Skip took some thoughts from above. The past several days of Special Times slowed many of us down. This book of Chambers that I have is one of the 1935 Copyright. I have devoured this book through the years along with our Bibles and other great books. But July 12 is one on many pages that I have written on and underlined and worn greatly. Yes, I hope to copy it for all the read the complete page. You remember Skip’s regularly teaching on “Context– Context”– and of course many other good teachers teach that also.
The Spiritual Society— “Till we all come….unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. Eph. iv, 13.
Rehabilitation means the putting back of the whole human race into the relationship God designed it to be in, and this is what Jesus Christ did in Redemption. The Church ceases to be a spiritual society when it is on the look-out for the development of its own organization. The rehabilitation of the human race on Jesus Christ’s plan means the realization of Jesus Christ in corporate life as well as in individual life. Jesus Christ sent apostles and teachers for this purpose–that the corporate Personality might be realized. We are not here to develop a spiritual life of our own, or to enjoy spsiritual retirement; we are here so to realize Jesus Christ that the Body of Christ may be built up.
Am I building up the Body of Christ, or am I looking for my own personal development only? The essential thing is my personal relationship to Jesus Christ– “That I may know Him.” To fulfil God’s design means entire abandonment to Him.
Whenever I want things for myself, the relationship is distorted. It will be a big humiliation to realize that I have not been concernd about realizing Jesus Christ, but only about realzing what He has done for me.
“My goal is God Himself, not joy nor peace. Nor even blessing, but Himself, My God.”
Am I measuring my life by this standard or by anything less?-
—— ( L.B. wrote on her book page: the word, abandonment is used often by Chambers in his writings— his meaning is complete surrender to Jesus with no thought what you will get out of it.) –oh how we all need to pay close attention, and Stop and evaluate our motives!!!!!!
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CARL Roberts–do you see a phrase above that you quote regularly and stated recently that it had come into use in the past few years?—well Chambers was born in 1874– and died suddenly 1917 at the young age of 43 years of age. — Every day so much to learn that others knew before us–chiding myself as much as you on this…and I appreciate that marvelous phrase and say yea each time I read it anywhere by anyone! Sincerely LaVaye Billings– ( yes Ed is till with me 58 and half years–he is sound asleep now–)
LaVaye…thank you for your explanation, very good.
Shalom