Rethinking the Church: Seeing Beyond the Flaws
Many of us have been hurt by people within the church, leading to a deep-seated distrust and disillusionment. But what if we’re looking at the church through the wrong lens? What if, instead of focusing on its flaws, we saw it as God’s beloved bride, worthy of love and admiration?
A Beautiful but Flawed Bride
The church is made up of sinners, forgiven but still imperfect. It’s easy to get caught up in the negative aspects, but that’s not how Christ sees it. In Song of Solomon 1:15, He gazes lovingly at His bride and declares, “You are beautiful, my love.” This isn’t just a sentimental phrase; it’s a profound expression of His affection and esteem.
Through the Eyes of Christ
To combat our lack of enthusiasm for the church, we need to see it through Christ’s eyes. We must look beyond the surface level and behold its eternal beauty. The church is not just an organization or a building; it’s a reflection of God’s indescribable love.
The Cross: The Epicenter of Cleansing
The cross is where Christ’s love for His bride is most vividly displayed. It’s where sinners come to receive forgiveness and new life. The cross is not just a symbol of sacrifice; it’s the epicenter of cleansing, where Christ’s blood washes away our sins and makes us beautiful in His sight.
A Worthy Savior
Jesus is a worthy Savior because of His union with the Father and His bride. He takes death upon Himself and offers His meritorious work freely to His bride, welcoming her into His glorious dwelling. To separate Christ from His church would be like telling the body to function without its head; the two are inseparably linked.
Shifting Our Gaze
If you’ve given up on the church, it’s time to shift your gaze. Behold the church through the eyes of Christ, who willingly died in its place and rose from the dead to secure its eternal life. See the church not for what it does, but for who it is – a beautiful, flawed, and beloved bride, worthy of love and admiration.
A New Perspective
As we see the church through Christ’s eyes, we’ll begin to appreciate its beauty and worth. We’ll recognize that we’re fellow sinners, forgiven and being transformed by the presence of the Holy Spirit. And perhaps, in time, we too will proclaim, “You are beautiful.”
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