Eyes to SeeSample

In a convocation address to the University of Toronto’s Knox College, veteran CBC foreign correspondent, Brian Stewart, told of his experience with the Church:

“I’ve found there is no movement, or force, closer to the raw truth of war, famines, crises, and the vast human predicament than organized Christianity in action. And there is no alliance more determined and dogged in action than church workers, ordained and lay members, when mobilized for a common good.

These Christians are right “on the front lines” of committed humanity today, and when I want to find that front, I follow their trail. I have never been able to reach these front lines without finding Christian volunteers already in the thick of it, mobilizing congregations that care, and being a faithful witness to the truth, the primary light in the darkness and so often the only light.”

From its beginning, the Church has been at the forefront of movements to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable people in the poorest communities worldwide. As Christianity was first spreading worldwide, hospitals were built alongside churches to care for the needs of all the people in the community. The Church built and championed universities, funded art and culture, fought for the abolition of slavery in the British Empire, and took responsibility for preserving all that led to human flourishing.

In His time on earth, Jesus didn’t commission any other agency other than the Church to advance His Kingdom on the earth. And this Church is unstoppable. Jesus said in Matthew 16:18, “The gates of Hades will not overcome it.” This organization, left to and still populated by a “ragtag bunch,” has continued for nearly two thousand years, stretching to every corner of the globe.

This Church is uniquely positioned to care for the needs of the world. Local churches are the ones who are close to their communities and understand the local culture. They are also known by their communities and can build trust in a way that outsiders cannot. They know the real needs and have a deeper understanding of what will and will not work in their context. They are there for the long term—long after any foreign aid will be there. They are the ones who can offer not only physical help but also spiritual healing. As Hebrews 10:24 states, they can “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

Reflect:

• Why have people wanted to bail out on the church as an institution? How do you respond to these reasons?
• Sometimes we forget the value of the church. Consider sending a quick note of appreciation or encouragement to someone who serves at your church.

Pray:

Lord, when I think that You don’t have a backup plan for your mission on earth, it encourages me to put down deeper roots in the Church that You love. Help me to have Your vision for the Church both locally and globally and recognize our role as believers together in offering hope to a broken world. Amen.