Each of us have a picture in our minds of “the perfect church.” You know, the one that builds us up, helps us develop our spirituality. One that feeds our spirit with the word of God and helps us stand in world that is constantly attacking our values, our ethics, our morals and our faith.

Wouldn’t it be great if we attended a church where all of these needs were met for each and every member! The problem is that no two of us are the same in our needs, our levels of faith or our understanding of God’s word.

What do we do? How do we find that church that will help us grow in faith and meet our needs? I have a couple of suggestions.

First the church needs to be one that holds onto God’s Word. I don’t mean that someone occasionally reads a scripture in your presence, but you need to be in a church that actually spends time studying (in depth), the word of God and the lessons found there. The folks who lived in Berea were considered to be of better character, because they searched and studied (not just read) the scriptures on a daily basis. (Acts 17:11)

Secondly, and most important, you need to begin to be more involved, more committed yourself to making sure the church meets need and build’s spirituality while holding onto the truth of God’s word. It’s great to desire a better church, but it will never be a better church until you realize that YOU are the church and it will be (in part) what you make it. I know how overwhelming and perhaps frightening that may sound, but that is what it is gong to take.

I ran across a great (and I think inspirational) saying this week I want to share. It challenges me in my daily life and perhaps it will you also.

“If you want something you’ve never had…

You have to do something you have never done….”

This is my challenge to you, that you step up and do something great for God! Do something you have never done, to have something you have never had! That’s the only way you will have “the perfect church”. You know what I mean, the one that builds us up, helps us develop our spirituality. The one that feeds your spirit with the word of God and helps you stand in a world that is constantly attacking your values, your ethics, your morals and your faith.

The Apostle Paul put it this way: “If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly,” (Romans 12:7-8 – NLT).