Edify the Church

In every aspect of our life, we have an established goal. Even when that goal is to retreat for some peace and quiet, we always have a purpose in our choices and actions. When we work, when we play, even when we socialize, we always have a purpose.

So, what is your purpose when you get involved in Church? We are each involved at some level. Some of us just send a check once a year, while others practically ‘live’ at the Church. When we consider our purpose at Church, I invite you to remember one thing.

The Church doesn’t need us. We need the Church. Unfortunately, for most of us, we live as if the Church couldn’t survive without us. We throw our influence around coffee hour and church meetings like everything would collapse if we stepped away. Only Christ is that important.

The 1^st Century Church in Corinth had similar problems to our American Church. The Church was divided among groups with influence. Some used the Church for selfish gain, while others dedicated their life to the Church’s mission to save souls. Even during Liturgy their agendas differed.

Brethren, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how shall I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will any one know what is played? And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? So with yourselves; if you in a tongue utter speech that is not intelligible, how will any one know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air. There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning; but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. So with yourselves; since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. Therefore, he who speaks in a tongue should pray for the power to interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. What am I to do? I will pray with spirit and I will sing with the mind also. Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how can any one in the position of an outsider say the “Amen” to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying? For you may give thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified. I thank God that I speak in tongues more than you all; nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind, in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

1^st Corinthians 14.6-19

Saint Paul’s message for us today is a message of purpose. He is challenging us to set aside our personal agendas and use our gifts and talents to edify the Church rather than ourselves. Through the Church we are sharing in Christ’s mission to save others.

We edify the Church when we help make it better. The question is, better at what? The mission of the Church is to bring people closer to Christ. The mission does not include influencing elections or public policy. The mission is not cultural or ethnic. The mission is holy.

The mission is divine rather than worldly. We must use our gifts and talents, yes even our influence, to help the Church’s holy mission to brings people closer to Christ. This is why Saint Paul chastised those speaking in tongues. They weren’t helping people get closer to Christ.

There are obviously many ways to make the Church better, but there is only one mission. Ask yourself today if you are helping make the Church better at saving souls. Ask yourself if you are using your gifts and talents, or even money, to help the Church’s mission. Ask yourself what your purpose is.