In the fall of 2007, while traveling through Kentucky I saw this beautiful quaint church. Immediately, I pulled over to take a picture. It's one of the things I enjoy no matter where I go. Just a shutterbug at heart!
Since I was about ten years old, photography has been more of a passion than a hobby. I truly enjoy seeing God's creation of beauty in some of the most amazing places.
When I grab my camera anticipating a great photo, I first check it out through the viewfinder, then I check the lighting. I can usually size up the photo pretty quick and know if its going to be an exceptional picture or just a photo.
Sometimes a church, the Body of Christ, can be similar in the same manner of taking a picture. It looks good from the viewfinder on the outside but really, it’s the inside ... the believers... who make the church. It's never been about brick and mortar or solid wood; even though there are some really beautiful buildings where we go to worship.
Sometimes, churches are not as warm and inviting as one might expect. Sometimes, churches are more than anyone could anticipate as you immediately feel welcomed and accepted into a loving Body of Christ.
There can be stark contrasts.
If you have ever shot any pictures, you know the lighting makes all the difference in the world. Whether its color or black and white... it's all about having just enough light to make a good or bad photo.
How is the light meter reading in your Body of Christ where you go to church? Do you have the Son of God glowing with light beams from within you as a member of His Body of Christ when approaching others, or as others approach you?
Do visitors, or other members, return because they can sense the Light of Jesus in your fellowship... in your hello... in your encouragement for them to come again?
Since I was about ten years old, photography has been more of a passion than a hobby. I truly enjoy seeing God's creation of beauty in some of the most amazing places.
When I grab my camera anticipating a great photo, I first check it out through the viewfinder, then I check the lighting. I can usually size up the photo pretty quick and know if its going to be an exceptional picture or just a photo.
Sometimes a church, the Body of Christ, can be similar in the same manner of taking a picture. It looks good from the viewfinder on the outside but really, it’s the inside ... the believers... who make the church. It's never been about brick and mortar or solid wood; even though there are some really beautiful buildings where we go to worship.
Sometimes, churches are not as warm and inviting as one might expect. Sometimes, churches are more than anyone could anticipate as you immediately feel welcomed and accepted into a loving Body of Christ.
There can be stark contrasts.
If you have ever shot any pictures, you know the lighting makes all the difference in the world. Whether its color or black and white... it's all about having just enough light to make a good or bad photo.
How is the light meter reading in your Body of Christ where you go to church? Do you have the Son of God glowing with light beams from within you as a member of His Body of Christ when approaching others, or as others approach you?
Do visitors, or other members, return because they can sense the Light of Jesus in your fellowship... in your hello... in your encouragement for them to come again?
"How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! O LORD, they walk in the light of Your countenance." Psalm 89:15
What if Jesus showed up in your church to worship, as He lives in each of His believers? Would Jesus feel offended if he sat in "someone’s place...cause that's where they've always sat?"
"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16
Have you ever wondered if the inside of your church was as inviting as the outside of this little church's appearance? Or would Jesus feel the love for which He died... as you represent Him as a member of His Body of Christ... no matter where you attend church, worship, work, live, any place you go, any place you happen to be, whatever you do... because you and I are always representing Christ as His believers no matter where we go or how we (you or me) behave.
"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness;Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!" Isaiah 5:20
Picture your church on the inside out. Try to imagine a viewfinder in front of you if you were to snap a photograph. What kind of light does your church reflect?
If Jesus was your guest next time you attend worship at church, would you remember to introduce Him to others? Have you introduced anyone to Him lately? When asking these questions, I ask myself the same, for I am just as accountable.
"Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world; He who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life." John 8:12
A picture can say more than words. How do you picture yourself? Are you allowing Jesus to shine His Light in you? That's the only way it's ever going to be "picture perfect."
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*All Scripture references are NASB
