Working For What?

Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

Recently, I've been giving a lot of thought to church and how it relates to my faith in Jesus Christ. By all means, I believe in the Body of Christ and that we, as Christians, comprise that Body. I know it's an old cliche, even an children's song, that the people are the church, not the building itself. I know that to be true for sure. Beyond the church I grew up in as a child, which was in a church building, every church (except for our most recent) that I've served in has met in some other type of building. One intended for a different purpose than church. So, of course, I can say with all my heart that church is the people.

What happens to these people though? These people that are the Body. We all start working our tails off and say it's in the name of Jesus. Now, I'm not suggesting that many aren't serving Him, in fact I believe that He is pleased when we serve. Afterall, how else would a church function. No, but what I'm suggesting is that many many among this Body begin to lose focus. If what we are doing is for Jesus, then why are we complaining to one another about the burden of serving? Isn't that the million dollar question?

Now, let me step back for just a minute and make a preface if I could. I have friends that I know are serving the Lord for all the right reasons. And I know that even when they complain a little about their service it doesn't automatically negate the good that they are doing for the Kingdom. I'm trying not to generalize here.
With that being said, I think back to a recent conversation that I had with a friend that, like me, has grown a little disheartened by the state of the Church right now. I find it to be no coincidence that though we are living is separate states, nearly the same words could be echoed from us both. And it's not just the two of us! There is a startling state of being in the Church right now! Perhaps it's always been this way and I'm only recognizing it now. I don't know, but whatever the case, I'm troubled by it.

Getting back to the "works" idea that I began with. What I witness so often when I attend church, be it one that I am familiar with or one that I am trying out, is instead of going to experience God, people are running around "serving" and before they know it, service is over and it's time to get on with the rest of the day. Only to return mid week to run around again. Where are these people being filled? Where are they experiencing God? I guess it's not wonder that they are complaining!

I am convinced that most of these people, when asked, "why not take a break and just worship during the service and hear the message?", would respond, "Oh, I can't becuase who would do what I'm doing?" or "I'm committed, I can't take a break." That's when I think it's so important to turn to the Word and read the passage of scripture that I put at the top. The work we do in the church isn't going to save us. And I am certain that God is more pleased with those who are meeting with him through worship and are being changed by a message or teaching than those who are running around doing things that if left undone, wouldn't really matter.

Okay, so there's my piece on that. Let me just say for the record that I've fallen into this category of people that I just described above. And I've done it for all the wrong reasons. Impressing people is my main downfall. I've never lacked security in my saving relationship with Jesus Christ, but I have always had a bit of a need to impress people. Ask me what my reward has been... Nothing! I've gained nothing from attempting to impress those around me. At the times that I've let go of the idea that what everyone else thought really mattered and I've focused that energy on my communion with The Almighty? That's where the reward is! That's where I've been changed, filled, grown and loved! That's where it's at!