A Church for God's Glory and Your Good: Reflecting on Our Purpose

In the bustling world of today, where institutions rise and fall with alarming regularity, it's worth pausing to consider the enduring purpose of the church. Why does it exist? What role does it play in our lives and in society at large? These questions aren't just academic; they strike at the heart of our faith and our communal identity as believers.

At its core, the church exists for three intertwined purposes: God's glory, people's good, and God's mission. Let's unpack each of these, drawing inspiration from Scripture and reflecting on their implications for our lives.

God's Glory: The Ultimate Purpose

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)

These powerful words from Paul remind us that the church begins and ends with the glory of God. Everything we do, every song we sing, every service we render, should point back to Him. It's not about building our own reputation or creating a comfortable social club. It's about lifting Jesus high so that when people look at the church, they see His grace, His truth, His love, and His power on display.

Imagine climbing a mountain and planting a flag at the summit. That flag can represent two things: either "Look what I accomplished!" or "Look at the One who gave me strength to reach this place!" One is about self-glory; the other is about God's glory. Every day, in big and small ways, we're planting flags with our words, our actions, and our priorities. The question is: whose name is on our flag?

When we prioritize God's glory, something beautiful happens – it overflows into the good of others. This leads us to our second purpose.

People's Good: A Community of Transformation

The early church, as described in Acts 2:42-47, provides a compelling picture of a community centered on God's glory and committed to people's good:

"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

This isn't just history; it's a model for us today. The early believers gathered around God's Word, worshiped together, shared meals, prayed, and gave generously. The result wasn't just spiritual growth but tangible good in people's lives. Needs were met, relationships were strengthened, and outsiders were drawn in.

The church should be a place where people find belonging (loved and accepted as they are), believing (encountering Christ as Savior and Lord), and becoming (growing into who God created them to be). It's not a museum for saints but a hospital for the broken – a place where people bring their spiritual wounds and discover that Jesus is the Great Physician.

This commitment to people's good naturally flows into our third purpose.

God's Mission: Shining Light into Darkness

Before ascending to heaven, Jesus gave His disciples what we call the Great Commission:

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20)

This commission reminds us that the church exists not just as a gathering place but as a sending place. We're called to go into the world, sharing the Good News, making disciples, and baptizing new believers. And we do this under Christ's authority and with His constant presence.

Think of a lighthouse. Its purpose isn't to draw attention to itself but to send out light that guides ships safely to shore. If a lighthouse kept its light hidden, it would fail its purpose. Similarly, the church exists to shine the light of Christ into the darkness of the world. As Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden." (Matthew 5:14)

This means our existence as a church can't end with just worship services or fellowship meals. Those are vital, but they prepare us to fulfill our greater mission: to make disciples who make disciples, to carry the Gospel forward until the whole world has heard.

Reflecting on Our Purpose

As we consider these three intertwined purposes; God's glory, people's good, and God's mission;  it's natural to reflect on our own lives and communities. Are we living for our own glory, or for God's? Are we committed to the good of others, even when it's inconvenient or costly? Are we actively participating in God's mission, or have we become comfortable spectators?

The beauty of the church is that it's not a static institution but a living, breathing community of believers. Each of us plays a crucial role in fulfilling these purposes. When we gather to worship, we're declaring God's glory. When we serve one another and our communities, we're promoting people's good. And when we share the Gospel and make disciples, we're advancing God's mission.

Moreover, these purposes aren't confined to Sunday mornings or church buildings. They're meant to infuse every aspect of our lives – our homes, workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods. Wherever we go, we carry the potential to glorify God, do good to others, and participate in His mission.

As we move forward, let's commit ourselves anew to these foundational purposes. Let's be a church – and individuals – that lift high the name of Jesus, that transform lives with His love, and that boldly carry His light into the world. For in doing so, we fulfill our deepest purpose and experience the abundant life Christ promised.

May we always be a church for God's glory and people's good, advancing His mission until He returns or calls us home.

Have a blessed week,

Pastor Jay