I'M THANKFUL FOR THE CHURCH

The local church in America gets a bad rap. And in many ways, the negative news is warranted. You’ve seen the status-quo statistics. You’ve read about the moral failures of many church leaders. We certainly don’t need to have our proverbial heads in the sand about the state of the church.

But it’s time to give thanks for the church.

It’s time to look at what is good about the local church. We don’t need to deny the reality of the problems, but we do need to stop wallowing in the negative and move forward.

For These Things I Am Thankful

I am thankful that God’s Word is preached faithfully each week in local churches. Lives are transformed. Sinners are convicted. Christians are encouraged. Disciples are made.

I am thankful that sacrificial ministry takes place every day through the ministry of local churches.

I am thankful that local church members give sacrificially, not only for the ministries of the church locally, but for mission work throughout the world.

My Gratitude is Personal

I grew up in church. The first Sunday of my life was spent in a church bed-baby crib. I was in Sunday School every Sunday, sang in the choir and loved Vacation Bible School. I led the music in my first revival service when I was seventeen and preached my first message at 20.

For these things, and so much more, I am thankful for the local church.

Keeping a Balanced Perspective

There is one viewpoint that refuses to acknowledge any serious problems in the local church. Though all the evidence is overwhelming, reality means little to these people. Protection of the status quo is paramount.

Then there is the perspective that readily sees and acknowledges the problems in the local church, but is too pessimistic to see anything positive. I’m not crazy about being around folks such as this.

The healthy perspective, however, sees both the problems and the possibilities. It recognizes the struggles of the local church, but also sees God still working. It is a perspective of realistic hope.

The local church is God’s instrument for His work. Millions of lives are transformed through the work of churches in America and around the world. I am one of those lives.

For these things, and so much more, I am thankful for the local church.