Improper Foundations
The Wright brothers are given credit as being the fathers of modern aviation, yet they almost failed in the beginning simply because of the acceptance of an incorrect theory of flight that was commonly accepted. When the Wright brothers discovered this incorrect theory when these “bicycle repairmen” challenged the aviation science community they met much opposition. Because of the Wright’s courage to face this opposition we are now blessed with modern flight. Flight, as we know it, was almost doomed because of improper foundations.
Likewise, I believe that one of the errors in modern church is that the Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys were church planting trips. Planting churches was not Paul’s goal, but rather, churches are a byproduct of the preaching of the gospel. If planting churches was not Paul’s goal, then what was? I believe the answer is found in this passage.
Gal 4:19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you,
Labor, in this passage, is the same as the pains that women have when giving birth. Paul’s goal was not to plant churches, but rather he desired to have Christ formed in people. Churches were a byproduct of their development.
I have been studying tae kwon do for almost a year. The goal is not to meet in a building and talk about martial arts. Having a vast head knowledge about martial arts isn’t even enough. The goal is to study, train, and become a martial artist. A school’s success depends on how well the students become martial artists.
Likewise, a church’s success should never be based on the number of members, how well they organize activities, and have big meetings. A church’s success should always be dependent upon how well it’s members become Christ like.
God Bless,
Dave