A church in the west decided to start their membership class by asking them to list down the important traits they were looking for in the church. In other words, they were asked to describe the perfect church. Apparently, these traits would always be listed – ‘sound preaching’, ‘community’, ‘love’ and ‘mission- mindedness’.
In a survey done among churches in Singapore not too long ago, the findings produced similar results. Our own membership class just commenced last month and if we had conducted the same exercise, I am sure someone would have written the above traits too. It is because there is a universal understanding of what a church is and ought to be and hence the expectations.
Even as you read this, if I were to ask you to think about the traits you are looking for at TWPC-EC as an old timer, a regular worshipper or a new member, what would it be? We all have expectations. It is part and parcel of how we are wired as social beings. And the truth is that the church that you and I have in mind can become a reality if only all of us help to make it true. God created us for community and in His wisdom, gifted us with different gifts to make this community a reality.
When we accept Jesus as our Lord, we become part of a fellowship, a community, and the family of God. As a part of this new community, our conduct in this new community is to be shaped after the mind of Christ. We are to be transformed by the renewal of our minds (Rom 12:2) As our thinking shifts from the ways of the world to the ways of Christ, there will be an outward change in our outlook in life too. We see ourselves from the way God sees us and this will shape how we live from then onward. We think of Christ first, others second and then finally ourselves.
The result of a renewed mind is that it recognises and approves God’s perfect will in our lives. We begin to live our lives as a living sacrifice to the Lord. We sacrifice self to Christ and others. The immediate result is seen in how we think about Christ’s church. Naturally, we all come with “self-ish” needs. But the renewed mind seeks the mind of Christ and others first. The self is sacrificed for the sake of Christ and others. Romans 12:3-8 tells us how renewed thinking affects behaviour in a community.
Gifts of Grace
3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads,] with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
Firstly, the believer recognises that God has given each one of us gifts through his grace. What we can do is a gift from God. Once we recognise this fact, we will humble ourselves and not think highly of our abilities since it is the result of God’s grace.
Secondly, the believer will not look down on others because what others can do is also God’s gift to them. God has given different gifts to all. Paul uses participles to describe the gifts which means they are not to remain static but to be used actively.
Thirdly, the believer recognises that he/she is not independent from the body of Christ. From the varied gifts that God has given, it is clear that God wants believers to serve together. We are interdependent on each other. This is God’s good, pleasing and perfect will!
Lastly, the believer is to serve joyfully without seeking self-glorification. The renewed mind seeks to glorify Christ.
2023 is winding down and we thank God for seeing us through the year; for his faithfulness in providing the resources graciously so that we can be a church. We thank God for his gracious gifts through each one of you. Some of you have been serving faithfully for years. And yet there are still some of you whose gifts can be a blessing to the church.
Have you discovered your gifting yet? There are many areas of service in the church and the good news is that God’s gracious gifts helps to build the church. We need all kinds of gifts and we would like to encourage all believers who belong to this community to consider an area of service so that together, we can build the church as the body of Christ. We all need each other.
Our gifts are not meant to lie dormant. It is to be used. How can we help you utilize your gifts? If you are not sure, do come and speak to any pastors, church leaders or ministry leaders. We will be happy to direct you to an area in which you can use your gifts. If you already know what your gifts are, do go through the recruitment form and indicate your area of interest. The recruitment form will be uploaded next week under announcements.
As we wind down the year, may the words of the apostle remind and help us to discern God’s will in our lives so that together, we can build God’s church, perfected through His grace.
Romans 12:1-2
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
The joy of the Lord be your strength!
