"the church"

Physically not feeling well recently, I remained home instead of going to the office.  I wrote down a few thoughts that I have decided to share on this final day of 2014.  My prayer is I will continually evaluate my life and follow the example set for me by JESUS CHRIST!

These days we see "ministries" with their ornate sanctuaries, their finely attired minsters, their choirs that are finely tuned and well practiced while commitment to JESUS CHRIST continues to decline.  "The church" is called to be "like JESUS"!  JESUS mostly ministered on hillsides and roadsides.  (see below)

Mark 6:39-41                 (ESV)

39 Then HE commanded them all to sit down in groups ON THE GREEN GRASS.

40 So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties.

41 And taking the five loaves and the two fish HE looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And HE divided the two fish among them all.

What if "the church" developed budgets that reflected the ministry of CHRIST instead of what WE THINK the ministry should be/become?  What if "the church" members policed their own actions as discriminately as they do the actions of others?  And GOD forbid, what if members of "the church" were expected to give to "special offerings" when it meant giving up going to a ballgame or concert?  

Modern day "Christianity" has become so self-centered that it resembles a good-guy cult.  GOD is celebrated ONLY when HE can be scheduled into OUR busy lifestyles.  "The church" hardly ever worships outside of the "worship hour" on Sunday morning any more. We have fellowships and meals for "the church" members while the homeless/destitute go without.  

What happened in Acts 2:42-47 when "the church" gave ALL they had to further the Gospel?  "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.  AND AWE CAME UPON EVERY SOUL, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.  And ALL WHO BELIEVED WERE TOGETHER and had all things in common.  And they were SELLING THEIR POSSESSIONS and belongings and DISTRIBUTING THE PROCEEDS TO ALL, as any had need.  And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising GOD and having favor with all the people. And the LORD added to their number day by day those who were being saved."  Imagine how things would be different today if "the church" displayed as much concern for the lost, or less fortunate, as "the church" did in the days of Acts 2?  

If the ultimate endeavor of "the church" is to reflect the love of JESUS, shouldn't the actions of  "the church" be similar to those of JESUS CHRIST during HIS earthly ministry?  Surely the SON OF GOD could have overseen a massive building program with the most elaborate furnishings, HAD THAT BEEN GOD'S PLAN?  But GOD "so loved the world" that HE sent JESUS to be a servant to you and me!  Maybe "the church" needs to revisit its priorities and maybe change course?