I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus. -1 Corinthians 1:4
I love this verse. The Corinthian church was one messed up church. Paul didn’t pull any punches when writing to them in 1 Corinthians about all of their many issues. He tackled each issue head on. Yet as he began writing, he told them of how he gave thanks to God for them. Despite all of the issues in Corinth, Paul saw the grace of God in their midst.
What about you, pastor? I know you see the issues in your church. Some of those issues may be obvious for all to see. Other issues may be more subtle. But you know as well as anyone that your church is not perfect. She has some problems.
But what about evidences of grace? Where do you see God at work in your church? Consider taking some time to list a few of them. Surely there are ways in which you see God at work in your church.
I find that it is easy for me to focus on the negative. I see the problems in my church. Sometimes I consume myself with those problems and become discouraged. But when I take the time to see the evidences of grace in my church, I am able to praise the Lord for what He is doing among us. Some of those evidences of grace are smaller things. Others are seemingly more significant. But one thing I know, God is at work.
How have you seen God at work in the life of your church?
