Many of us grew up playing a game using your fingers with the following words: “Here is the church, here is the steeple, open the doors and here are all people.”

This past Sunday our choir sang a song with the following lyrics in the chorus:

When anyone looks at me
let them see Jesus.
Let me be a reflection
of His love and mercy to them
When they start to read
my life story.
I want it to bring my Savior glory.
When anyone looks at me
let them see Him.

While the lyrics are of a more personal nature. They speak words which most of us should strive to achieve. However, I use the above words in terms of the church, because the church is the living and breathing “ body of Christ” here on earth. The church is not a building, an organization or just a group of people trying to tell everyone else how they need to live their lives.

The people in the church are those who seek to reflect Jesus to the outside world. Their desire is to share His grace, mercy and love to the entire world. Only by doing this are we able to fulfill the great commission:

“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” Matthew 28:10 (NIV)

We as a church should not come across as being judge and jury to those who seek guidance and are struggling with life’s issues. I remember asking a former pastor why he never preached “hell and brimstone” sermons. His response was “I would rather love someone into heaven than scare them out of hell.” I can remember those sermons from my younger days and they did work for a while but the intimidation factor wears off many times.

However, when we as a body of believers are willing to love all of God’s children as He unconditionally loves us, blemishes, sin and all, then we can be the church that without a doubt reflects the love of Christ to all.

While I have a long way to go, it is a daily struggle to present yourself to others in a way that acknowledges your blessings, your faith and where your future lies.

But all things are possible through Christ and He is waiting to clear up all of our reflections so that His love can shine through His church and as well as all of His children.