In the many years I have been in the ministry, I have seen a series of different ideas sweep across the church. Some of them I participated in, and some of them I only observed. Each time this has happened, it sounded as if this particular teaching was the final answer. Here are a few of them: the indigenous church, small group Bible studies, one on one discipleship, city-wide crusades, the gifts of the Spirit, the local church, shepherds, discipleship; with bigger buildings and bigger congregations. I have strong opinions on most of these, but that is not the issue. The issue is that most of these have been means, and they have been treated as ends.
In Colossians l:13-22, Paul speaks of the work of Christ in redemption and creation, “that in everything he might be preeminent.” Rather than focusing on having the perfect church, methods, gifts, or eschatology, we should seek our preeminent Lord.
“Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his presence continually” (Psalm 105:3-4).
“One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple” (Psalm 27:4).
“Thou hast said, ‘Seek ye my face.’ My heart says to thee, ‘Thy face, Lord, do I seek’” (Psalm 27:8).
All other things are secondary.
This post coordinates with tomorrow’s reading in the To the Word! Bible Reading Challenge. If you are not in a daily reading plan, please join us at TotheWord.com. We would love to have you reading with us.
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