If the Church is to manifest Christ to the world at large, then she is charged to exemplify the heart and will of Christ every minute of every day. In her, God's goodness, truth, and beauty is seen in flesh; the Bride of Christ, breathing the gospel of life. She is a beautiful congregation filled with the spectrum of His image. Yet she is slowly becoming like a painting on the wall. As she falls into two-dimension, she becomes more a beauty to behold than the living human being she was meant to be.
Oh beloved of God awake! Step out of your horizontal canvas and walk into the world about you. Have the will to engage your fellowman with a heart of God so that they might hear and be added amongst you. The world is in dying need of the healing breath you breathe. The living breath of God given to you by the will of the Father, the work of the Son, and the Spirit's power. You are the blessed of God; the bride He sanctified out of love.
My heart is so often touched and burdened by the suffering of others and yet my will to act remains unmoved. So often I become more like a two-dimensional picture of Christ, both knowing how to act and having a heart that wants to do so, but I lack the will to share this love with others. When asked for a favor I will often reply, "I don't want to." In saying that, I have said that my wants are more important than my loving that person. Of course there are times where I cannot do a favor that I've been asked and sometimes the person doesn't really need my help, but there are often times of selfishness that cause me to say no. It is so odd to think of the stark contrast when adding a single dimension to a painting; it can make a portrait a sculpture. We, as christians are called to be living sculptures of Christ to the world. By God's perfect grace and the power of the Spirit, we may do so. :)
Oh Lord, help me to set aside my pride and love others in humility. Let me exemplify your heart and your will to love others as you would. May my life be always first and foremost be dedicated to you in everything that I do.
(Picture from: http://www.lib-art.com/artgallery/5728-charity-hope-faith-christian-daniel-rauch.html)
