#FamousChurchSample

“Better than I could have imagined.” If your church is anything like mine, you have an inviting culture. If you don't yet, you should. I see people come in our doors, and we get incredible feedback on how friendly everyone is. But friendliness pales in comparison to the true glory that God wants us to display. The passage in 1 Kings 10 shows us a truth in Scripture that will revolutionize our vision, our expectations, and the way we see ourselves as a reflection of the King we serve. Let’s revisit the queen of Sheba’s response to what she witnessed with her own two eyes upon arriving in Solomon’s kingdom. In amazement she exclaims, "Your wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame of which I heard. Happy are your men and happy are these your servants, who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom! Blessed be the LORD your God." The queen admitted that she did not believe the reports she heard until she beheld the truth first-hand, and then the truth was far beyond what she had actually been told. Whose fame did she perceive? It was King Solomon's fame. But who got the credit? GOD! The more people see us, the church, exhibiting the glory of all that our Savior paid for, the more they will see Him. We cannot, and should not, shy away from brilliance in order to appease religious people by living a mundane, non-consequential life. No, it is paramount that we be on display in order to glorify our God. My Bible says this: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). Whose good works are displayed? Who gets the glory?