Looking For Perfect People In A Perfect Church?

In ancient times, the elder men in every city sat alongside the gate, to greet visitors and to dispense wisdom and judgment to the citizens of the community as they came and went (Proverbs 31:23; cf. Deuteronomy 16:18; Deuteronomy 21:19-21).

The story is told of a wise old patriarch who one day was approached at the city gate by a sojourner from a far country. "Good father, what sort of people live in your city?" asked the wayfarer of the elder. The old patriarch responded by asking, "What sort are they in the city from which you came?" The traveler replied, "Wicked villains, liars, thieves, and uncaring fools." The old patriarch shrugged his shoulder and said, "That's what you'll find here too."

Before long, another traveler passed by and asked, "Good father, what sort of people live in your city?" Again, the wise old patriarch asked, "What sort are they in the city from which you came?" The traveler said, "gentle folk, neighborly, wise, and kind." The old patriarch responded with a knowing smile, "That's what you'll find here too."

As the wise old patriarch at the city gate observed, what we find in people where we are, is not likely to be different from what we found in those we've left behind. Paul wrote, "In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor" (2 Timothy 2:20). The difference is our own attitude. We can't always change the vessels that surround us. However, we can decide what sort of vessel we ourselves will be.

The spiritual church of Christ is perfect, because He who established it and is its Head is perfect Matthew 16:18; Colossians 1:18). But although the foundation is flawless (1 Corinthians 3:10-11). those who build upon it are not. Some are building with gold, silver, and precious stones, while others build with wood, hay, or straw (1 Corinthians 3:12).

When each member's work is tested on the last day, the righteous Judge will either approve or condemn (1 Corinthians 3:13-15). But for now, the wheat and the weeds grow up together (Matthew 13:24-30).

Knowing all of the above, let us be "a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work" (2 Timothy 2:20-21).

Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets

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