What unites us as God’s church? 

I think it’s a productive thing to think about—not only for my or your local church, but for the church as it stretches all over the globe.

Is it a certain political cause? What about a social justice issue? What about events which are designed to have people smiling all the time but where God is never actually discussed?

(You can tell by my tone that it’s none of those things.)

Is it good to get involved with certain causes and events? Definitely. They can be expressions of our faith.

But when those things push Jesus into the corner, or when we neglect what Jesus actually taught, the alarm bells should be ringing loudly.

What unites us as a church (and as churches) is the risen Jesus!

He is the Way, Truth and Life (John 14:6). He is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). He teaches us, loves us, dies for us, forgives us, saves us, intercedes for us in heaven, gives abundant life, and unites us to himself as his hands and feet in a hurting world!

A church not centred on the risen Jesus is like a chef with bare cupboards inviting you to dinner.

I realize that belonging to Jesus can make you seem weird or different. But the more I look around, the better that sounds!

Let’s keep the main thing the main thing—in our churches, in our homes, and in our hearts and minds.

The best way to live your best life is to keep the best thing first.

---

Notes:

–Sunday worship goes live at 10:01am EST. If you don’t have a church home, you’re invited to worship online with the church I pastor, Westminster in Barrie, Ontario. This Sunday I’m teaching about the inspiring picture of the early church from Acts 2:42. Click here to sign up for a free email reminder on Sunday mornings that links you directly to our service at the right time.

–Do you LISTEN to The Up Devotional as a podcast on iTunes (Apple), Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Stitcher? If so, it would be great if you rate and leave a quick review. It really does help get the word out. Thanks!

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.