The church is called to be a light to the lost and dying world.   ~~~   How’s the church doing? Have you ever had someone come up and ask you that question? More than likely not, unless you’re a pastor or leader IN the church. But if you did, how would YOU respond? How IS the church doing? You would probably start off with what you love about your church and maybe how many people are in the pews. Then you might share what your church does for the community, what ministries you have and maybe give a ‘star rating’ type review of your pastor or worship leader. Here is where unfortunately some grumbling, drama among members and criticism might find it’s way into the conversation as well. Am I wrong? In this season of life, one of the blessed hats I wear is that of a pastor’s wife. I have on many occasions been asked, “how’s the church doing”? My response early on was very similar to what I just described. I wanted to highlight all the things and how we were ‘doing’. These days though, my response is different. If someone asks me, “how’s the church doing”, my reply is, “broken and beautiful”. Isn’t that the truth? Oh how beautiful is the body of Christ, all its members, as they move and work together in their giftings, as Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 12, but oh how broken and messy we are as well. Thankfully Jesus is the cornerstone holding us all together. The church IS a people of faith who believe and put their trust in the saving grace of Jesus. That’s the church. If you are a believer, you are the church. I am the church. As I think on that more and more and the MISSION and work we are ALL called to do as the body of Christ, I think we need to ask a different question when we’re wondering how we’re doing. The question needs to be, “how are YOU doing”? You are the church, so if we looked at YOUR life, what would it reflect as to how the church is doing? I’ll go first and step on my own toes! How am I doing? Am I on mission? Am I connected to the vine, growing and deepening my faith roots daily, bearing good fruit? How’s my marriage? How’s my family? Am I training my children UP in Christ? Am I teaching them diligently to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength? Am I loving my neighbor? Am I living a life of radical forgiveness and grace for others? Am I gathering faithfully with other believers? Am I bearing the burdens of my brothers and sisters in Christ? Do I even really know the burdens of my brothers and sisters? Am I tithing? Am I serving? Am I using my gifts to build up the BODY, not to satisfy myself? When I wonder how the church is doing, my answer and focus MUST begin with ME. LIfe is hard. We are broken and sinful people in desperate need of a savior, but I’m so thankful Jesus is our strength and his grace covers me and it covers you as we walk together in unity as the body of Christ. Jesus said this. Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. How’s your light shining? The mission of the church is mine and yours to carry. WE are called to BE that light to a lost and dying world in need of a savior. How the church is doing begins with me. That’s the truth. I leave you with a prayer of blessing Paul wrote to the church in Rome. Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Let’s overflow this day with HOPE from hearts and lives radically changed by the love of Jesus. Thats the church, the body of Christ, the world needs to see. I’m Lori Cline