This Sunday as I walked into Church there was a hustle and bustle that I was not accustomed to. It was not my normal routine to go to the later service, but this week it was different. I walked into the foyer and time slowed down. Normally, going to the first service it is calm and serene as people start making their way into the service. Almost like the beginning ripples in a lake at dawn. However, walking in at this time was different. One service was leaving and another was about to begin. Although different, louder, and slightly more chaotic, it was just as beautiful as I was viewing it from a fresh perspective.
My attention was caught as I saw newcomers warmly welcomed at the kiosk with kind smiles and attentive eyes from the greeters. Touches of laughter from babies and children made the atmosphere more light-hearted and dynamic. Mingling in the middle were some young adults sharing stories of how their week went and chatter filled the lobby.
I made my way into the sanctuary and sat with my friends. It dawned on me that if it weren’t for Jesus, I would not have crossed paths with these ladies. Rising to sing, our voices carried our hearts to remember through lyrics the truth of who God is and the promises we have with him.
Opening my Bible, our pastor led us through a portion of one of my favorite books, 2 Corinthians, as he handled the word of God with assertiveness and compassion. He exposited and shepherded his flock with the truth and comfort that comes from teaching the Bible. My heart was stirred, convicted, and enriched.
These are simple things we take for granted, but when we stop we can marvel at the true beauty that is before us. It is a gift from the Lord. Only God could have come up with the idea of the local Church. A place where people from all walks of life can come together to worship our God because of Him.
More times than not we grumble at its imperfections instead of responding in gratitude (me being guilty of this as well). So gaze next Sunday as you go to Church and praise Him. If you struggle to see only the Church’s blemishes, go to Him in prayer and ask Him to help you see His bride as He does (Ephesians 5:23-32). It is through Christ’s work that we have this grace of fellowship, the teaching of the word of God, singing, communion, prayer, and serving. It is through these means of grace that we get to draw near to Him and worship our God.
Lingering after service, the hustle and bustle simmered down. The lobby slowly became quiet and returned to its quiet state. Stopping, there wasn’t much to marvel at. An empty building lacks luster. It is His people that bring it to life. We are his people and where we are is where He is. Gathering together is an immense privilege, joy, and something to stop and marvel at.
I think, a word to some of us who have become impatient with the spots and wrinkles in our own church family. Remember, the church is not your bride; she’s Christ’s bride. And remember that His love for her means He wants to do the very best job in removing those spots and wrinkles, and it’s His purpose to do that patiently. So you and I need to be patient and wait for the Lord to work in others, and yes, patient to learn to wait for Him to work fully in us. And when that happens in our fellowship, we become increasingly Christlike, and people begin to notice.
Rachel Whisman 
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