“The actual church is a motley crew of sinners who are more primed, together, to really experience grace than they would be if they were all apart.”- Jared C. Wilson
“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus.”- Romans 15:5
As Jared Wilson continues Chapter 6 of The Imperfect Disciple, he talks about what happens when grace takes over a church. Sometimes, though, risk-taking for grade lands you right on your face. However, Pastor Wilson asserts, it’s worth taking that risk. Often our honesty and transparency serve to liberate others from their “having it all together” prisons.
Therefore, while experiencing a unity of doctrine is crucial, the church must also experience the harmony of what that doctrine produces. Pastor Wilson explains:
“The doctrine of grace when administered with a spirit of grace gradually becomes a culture of grace. A message of grace will attract people but a culture of grace will keep them (emphasis Jared’s). See, the gospel . . .[is] not tuned to the frequency of accusation.”
As a result, when coming to church we first seek our real priorities, not what we’d prefer. Rather than desiring our own fulfillment, we seek the flourishing of others. Hence, Pastor Wilson adds, “you cannot grow in holiness and holier-than-thou-ness at the same time.”
In conclusion, Jared states, we must not view the church as a club with member privileges. Therefore, the author adds, we approach the community of faith as a contributor rather than a consumer.
Today’s question: Does the actual church where you belong view itself as a motley crew of sinners? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “A community of Christ-followers”
