Scripture for Reflection: Philippians 1:3-11

Today, we will grapple with the question of what our allegiance to the church where we attend looks like, especially in light of the fact that no church on earth is perfect. 

The New Testament is clear that our lives as Christians must be negotiated within the specific Body of Christ on earth we call church. We have seen how essential the church is for any Christian. But how do we separate the wheat from the chaff, so to speak, to claim and focus on what is essential to our church’s calling, the things that really do deserve our full allegiance? 

All Christian movements that become churches or denominations develop traditions designed to preserve the original purposes of the movement by continuing the practices that once advanced those purposes. Often, the traditions morph into something more settled, something less attentive to the original, more radical, life-changing purposes. Over time, the church (congregation) can become more complacent, satisfied with just the shell of a tradition. Spiritual stagnation sets in. Once-dynamic practices that fueled revival, spiritual growth, and mission now lack agency (people specifically committed to live them out in their lives) and allegiance (support from the congregation as a whole).  

Christ calls us, his church, to become more than attenders, tithers, and sideline cheerleaders. He calls us to be a part of the church’s calling: to meet together (Hebrews 10:19-25), to encourage each other (3:12-13), to carry each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:1-2), to make sure there is no needy person in our fellowship (Acts 4:32-35), and to support one another as holy disciples of Jesus (Matthew 28:16-20). These are the graces that will prepare and equip us to live out our mission in the world. This is the kind of community that deserves our allegiance. 

It is not for us who are church members, however, to take the easy path of standing by and criticizing our congregation for falling short of these standards. Rather, it is for us to humble ourselves and take the risk of stepping forward into this calling. To journey into a holiness that is authentic. To let the love of God inhabit us and overpower us. To be sold-out disciples of Jesus. 

Practicing Christians are members of a church family that isn’t perfect, as we are not perfect. Sometimes, says writer Brian Doyle, being a member of his church doesn’t even make rational sense; it defies logic. It relies on this thing called faith, which means we’re not in control. It leans on this thing called grace, this God-gift that opens us to miracles in, above, beyond, or outside our clever church planning. So why, asks Doyle, do I stay in my church? 

Where would I go that makes so little sense, that is so patently foolish, that could heal the bruised and bloody world, that could make a galaxy so crammed with light that it makes even its weary Maker smile, after all his work, that his children rose to their best selves, and sent their sins wailing and gnashing into the limitless dark? (“Why I Stay in the Church,” Sojourners, July 2014, p. 37)

Jesus entrusted his church to an unlikely, often clueless band of twelve, and the gospel thrived. It thrived because the cross and resurrection of Jesus, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, created a community with uncommon power to live out the self-giving love of God in the world. And they were able to do it, not with their cleverness, but with their reckless faith. A congregation that looks like that is worth the allegiance of its members. 

Dear Jesus, help me by example to do my part to help my church family to be a faith-grounded, grace-filled, miracle-believing community worthy of allegiance and trust. I ask this in your name and for the sake of your church. Amen.

This is an excerpt from the book “Renewals” by Phil Needham.

“Renewals” continues the spiritual journey of “Christmas Breakthrough,” “Lenten Awakening” and “Easter People.” It launches the second half of the Christian Year that some Churches call Trinity and others call Common Time. Trinity because the relationships of the Feather, Son, and Holy Spirit have so much to teach us about our own relationships and the living of our lives as God’s People. And Common Time because during these months we also search the Scriptures to find practical help in living our lives day to day as Jesus’ disciples.

“Renewals” explores how the Trinity teaches us to relate to all those with whom we have a close or distant relationship. All our relationships are covenantal: our personal relationships, our church relationships and our relationships with the world. They call for constant renewal. Because summer is a good time for spiritual renewal, one week is devoted to these resources. The book concludes by exploring the Beatitudes as very specific pathways to renewal.

More from “Renewals:” Faith & Identity: How Philippians 3 Guides Us to Our True Self