8 Signs of a Healthy Ecclesia
May 15, 2005
Dear Friends:
How do you know if your ecclesia is healthy or not? The following eight signs may help you decide. Before we look at them, however, it makes sense to speak to differing perceptions within the ecclesia.
Sometimes we are disillusioned. We, for whatever reason – valid or invalid, do not think our ecclesia is up to snuff. We want real and substantial changes. We might be on the verge of changing ecclesias or just deciding not to come at all. Our needs are not being met by the ecclesia. The fact that we are disillusioned tells us nothing. It may be that we have perfectly legitimate reasons for feeling as we do. The key here is to determine whether or not we are being realistic in our expectations. Every ecclesia will have problems. If we are looking for the perfect ecclesia, we had better not join as we will certainly spoil it for the rest. We can’t set our expectations unreasonably high as that is not fair to our brothers and sisters. Many times the problem is as much with ourselves as it is with the ecclesia. The best way to determine this is by looking at what we are doing. Are we part of the problem or part of the solution? Are we actively trying to improve things in a Biblical manner or simply playing the part of a critic?
Some times we are illusioned. We think that everything is perfect. Since everything is perfect, we don’t ever try to improve things. Maybe we are in a really good situation and are very thankful for what we have which is good. However, if our perception of things is just not according to reality because of limited exposure to things or a non-Biblical perspective on what an ecclesia should be, our expectations may be too low. We are shortchanging both our brethren, but most especially our Heavenly Father on what He wants from us by setting the bar too low.
So, with that in mind, here are the eight signs of a healthy ecclesia.
Sign #1 – Love: John 13:35 tells us as straightforward as can be said about this sign. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” Love is a prerequisite to discipleship and therefore a healthy ecclesia. If love is not present, true discipleship is not present as they go hand in hand. Love (Gr. agape’) is one of those few things that cannot be overdone. It is principled but not harsh. It is kind but not lenient. It is esteeming others better than yourself but not to the point devaluing your own contribution. It allows people to disagree without being disagreeable. Love is self-sacrifice in action and clearly demonstrates Christ in us.
Sign #2 – Truth: Titus 2:1 states “As for yourself, you must say what is consistent with sound doctrine.” (NASB) The Gospel is the things concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. (Acts 8:12) A healthy ecclesia will teach the Gospel in its unadulterated form. Truth as taught in the Holy Scriptures will not be sacrificed on the altar of political correctness, fads or telling people what they want to hear. Members will know their Bibles and “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in” them. (1 Peter 3:15) They will challenge traditions of men and possess an open and inquisitive mind, but at the same time, they will not “be carried about with every wind of doctrine.” (Eph. 4:14) They will hold to the truth without being prideful or sanctimonious by realizing that what they know is God’s gift to them and not of their own selves.
We will pick up here, Lord willing, next week.
Have a great week!
Comments»
No comments yet.