“All the Lord’s followers often met together, and they shared everything they had. They would sell their property and possessions and give the money to whoever was in need. Day after day they met together in the temple. They broke breadtogether in different homes and shared their food happily and freely, while praising God. Everyone liked them, and each day the Lord added to their group others who were being saved.” (Acts 2:44-47 Contemporary English Version)
The opening passage is one scriptural model for making a good church. I found another one. At the back of my mother’s book, the one I shared excerpts with you yesterday, I found this addendum, a poem entitled “What Makes A Good Church.” I have to share it with you this Wednesday morning. Perhaps it will speak to you or just maybe it will be something you will want to share with others. Possibly you will see it as hilarious, or you will harbor reaction when specific parts of the poem speak personally to you. In either case, here is the poem.
“What Makes A Good Church”
If all the Lazy Members will get up,
and all the Sleeping Members will wake up,
and all the Discouraged members will cheer up,
and all the Gossiping Members will shut up,
and all the Dishonest Members will confess up,
and all the Estranged Members will make up,
and all the Depressed Members will look up,
and all the Disgusted Members will sweeten up,
and all the Lukewarm Members will fill up,
and all the Dry Bones will shake up,
and all the Sanctified Members will show up,
and all the Leading Members will live up,
and all the Owing Members will pay up,
and all the True Members will stand up,
Then, yes, oh yes, then, we can have a good church! Members: Let us wake up, pray up, show up, pay up, stand up, teach up, live up, fire up, and never, never give up. Back up or shut up until the cause of Jesus Christ is built up!!!”
I can add only two words to what you have just read, “Enough said!” Be blessed!
“For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons and daughters of God.” (Romans 8:14 NASB)
Mark L. King