The Tribune

Meditation for Sept. 13, 2012

Rev Angela C. Bosfield Palacious

“To present the church in Himself in splendour, without spot or wrinkle or anything of the kind—yes so she may be holy and without blemish”

(Ephesians 5:227)

It cannot be cement blocks and wooden floors, stained-glass windows or doors to which the Apostle Paul is referring as the church. We gather in a consecrated building for worship, we point to a particular structure as our church home, and we talk about having reverence for the house of God and yet we know that this is not the whole picture.

Who is the church? This is a different question and must be answered definitively. We who are believers and who make up the body of Christ, it is we who are the church. That being said, we may return to the Scripture quote to see what it should mean to each one of us personally, and all of us collectively.

As members of the church, we have certain privileges and responsibilities. A very important expectation is that we will represent Christ well as His disciples and as ambassadors of His Kingdom. As we grow in grace, we are to become more like our Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ, day by day.

How does this relate to the splendour that is spotless and wrinkle free? If we were talking about clothing, we would be able to picture such loveliness. We can easily identify with freshly washed and ironed garments to wear on special occasion.

What does it mean for the church to be holy? What does it mean for us to be holy? Does it mean to be full of light in the midst of darkness? Does it mean to have a beautiful spirit even in ugly situations? Does it mean to be loving and good rather than rebellious and self-serving?

Young children will want to consider being obedient at home, attentive at school, polite, kind and generous, not a bully, cheater or fighter. Praying daily, reading a children’s bible, giving a portion of weekly allowance as collection, and being helpful at church and Sunday School are acts of devotion open to every child. Are we gently leading our children to Jesus in order to live a more holy life?

For those who are teens, there are different temptations, and individual and group mentoring is most important. Discovering and affirming one’s own worth and value to God and to the family of God is very necessary at this time of identity formation. As they grow into adulthood, they will be familiar with relevant Scripture passage, will be comfortable praying and listening to God, and will have a support system in place.

In this way, at every stage we are preparing for the day when we will be presented as the bride of Christ, the church, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb and made clean from every stain of sin.