Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, He said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."
CHURCH IS A HOSPITAL FOR SINNERS, NOT A MUSEUM FOR SAINTS
I once heard someone remark that it's very fitting that many churches have cemeteries since so many Christians act like hypocrites and have a dead faith. In this person's mind, the Christian faith is nothing, much like a lifeless body after death. While I don't agree with his thought, I suppose it could often seem like faith in Christ means nothing when you see the way Christians act at times. Christians are often scrutinized for their faith since they should know better, and since many people simply look at Christianity as a moral guideline for holy living.
Because of this sentiment, many view church like a museum for saints -- as a place where Christians sit around and applaud each other while disdaining those outside the faith. As strange as this attitude may sound, it can be very easy to adopt without even realizing it. And if this is how people view church, it's no wonder that they would also assume that faith in Christ is a dead thing.
Jesus made it clear that Christianity is not about exalting ourselves at the expense of others. Not only did He speak at length about hypocrisy (see Matthew chapters 6, 15, and 23), He also stated in our verse for today that He came expressly for sinners. If someone doesn't believe that he is sinful, then he also does not have faith in Jesus. Those who believe they are righteous on their own will certainly try to make it heaven that way, but here is no room for Christ in such a heart. As John wrote, we confess our sins and God stands ready to forgive (1 John 1:8-9).
Church must be a place to confess sins and receive God's forgiveness. If church becomes nothing more than a social club to hang out with people that are similar to us, it will become a museum for saints. A museum remains the same. It is a stagnant reminder of the past and the hopes and dreams of dead men. May our churches never become such a place! A hospital, on the other hand, is a place of activity and healing. A hospital can help people today and prepare them for the future. A hospital does not ignore the disease, but actively fights it. May our churches always be spiritual hospitals in the wasteland of this sinful earth, fighting sin and wickedness and renewing with the healing message of sin forgiven through Christ!
