The Church, Round 3
I have cable TV. I had it installed shortly after moving to Greenville. Now, let me admit that cable TV is not a need. I can survive without it. I can even prosper without it. But I like news and sports, and cable is good for those. Did you notice? I said, "I like news and sports." By hunting down the local cable company, going through the hassle of getting connected, and paying the monthly fee, I am revealing my heart. I am revealing the fact that I like news and sports, so I have formed a relationship with a local business whose job it is to provide those to me.
I don't much care for weight-lifting, as all who see me can readily testify. No one will ever mistake me for Arnold Schwartzeneger. Consequently, I have not formed a relationship with a local health club. Why? Because I don't care for exercise. Again, I am revealing my heart, by not joining a health club. At this point in my life, I put no priority on that, though I probably should. But there is a huge difference between recognizing what I should do, and having a heart desire to do it.
Your involvement and relationship with a local church, or your neglect of the local church, is revealing your heart. There is no way around this. If you are not an active, contributing, serving, diligent member of a local church it can only be because you have found something better to do with your time, resources, and commitments. This reveals your heart. It also goes a long way toward revealing the true status of your relationship with God, or lack thereof.
People who love God, love what God loves, and God loves the church. He has revealed His heart by purchasing the church with His precious blood (Acts 20:28). But it is very questionable as to whether people who do not love what God loves, love God Himself either. If you really have a relationship with God at all, then you will pursue a relationship with a local church. It reveals your heart.
