Instead, we will lovingly follow the truth at all times—speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly—and so become more and more in every way like Christ who is the Head of his body, the Church. Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly, and each part in its own special way helps the other parts, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

Ephesians 4:14-16 (TLB)

No church community is perfect, but it can be healthy.

In its simplest form, every church community must know why it exists and define its immutable essence: Why are we here? Where are we going and what is our heart and purpose for the world around us? All answers are derived from interpreting Scripture and discerning the Spirit.

To be a healthy church is to ground ourselves in Christ.

Christ is the source of our life. We draw from Him personally and collectively as we abide in Him. This enables us to become carriers of His presence and power everywhere we go. In other words, rather than driven by programming, reaching the surrounding community for Christ should be motivated by who we are and what we have in Christ. It is not just doing good, but also being authentic and genuine in the process of engagement.

The early believers demonstrate how it is done.

They were real in their faith, which they courageously demonstrated through acts of love, generosity, and healing.

We do not have a lesser call than them. We too are called to bring God's kingdom to earth by proclaiming the gospel and revealing its reality with grace and truth. We are not adding one more thing to the list when we learn to listen to Jesus and do what He says. True obedience is not work because it is His Spirit working in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. This will keep us spiritually healthy and strong, free from the fear of burnout and failure.

Meditate on what the Apostle Paul declared about the saints in Ephesians 4:14-16. Pray for wisdom and revelation to understand the implication of living your life with fellow believers in the light of God’s Word.