The title of this blog is very relevant to my message, today. You will notice that I did not write, “The work of the church.” We will be distinguishing the work of the local church organization from the work of individual saints. As already noted, our work is measured by what we do as individuals, just as each will be judged independent of each other (Rom. 14:12). As each one visits the fatherless and widows, gives a cup of cold water, ministers to the sick, supports the weak, gives to the poor, or shares the gospel of Christ, the “called-out” is at work. We are describing a class of people who are at work in the world. This is pure religion at its finest (cf. James 1:27). It describes the commitment of each saint to dedicate their lives to service (Romans 12:1).
When we speak of the ekklesia in a given area (city), we speak of individuals who interact with one another as already noted, and will naturally cooperate together because of the common decision of individual commitment to do the same work. They form a working relationship due to their spiritual tie and proximity to one another. The way of life for each individual in a given area is committed to edifying each other, cooperating in teaching efforts, supporting and hosting brethren as guests and fellow partakers of the truth (3 John 8), and meeting on the first day of the week to eat the supper of the Lord in his memory. As all the individuals do the same work, there is encouragement through conversation and example to complete it.
I ask a question for my friends to ponder to help us describe the “called-out.” What does it look like if you had to describe it in the world, today? Do we not have cause for concern when identifying it with buildings, programs, preachers, religious periodicals, colleges, worship services, treasuries, and such like? If we just took one unit of this collective body of saved people (the individual) and described a dedicated life of holiness and service and then combined such individuals into one body, or into small groups, would we still not have a good visual of its identity? The work of the church is the work that those in Christ are doing.
To illustrate, many enthusiasts of different kinds meet to build engines, play chess, watch a college team, or play music. Similarly, brethren are bound in Christ with common goals, interests, and work, also. To relinquish that work is to deny our identity. Do we identify the chess enthusiasts as those who contribute to the United States Chess Federation, the FIDE, USCF, or ICC? Would a man, who loves to build strong and fast engines, be seen sending money to the Ford Motor Company who builds Ford engines or any other automobile manufacturer? Would someone who loves to play a guitar be recognized as such observing their weekly contribution to a music band? If they purchase anything related to their interest, it would only be to help them do what they love to do. They love what they do and enjoy sharing their passion with others of like mind. This defines the work of God’s people.
Until we change our view of “church” to visualize individual enthusiasts for Jesus, we will always think of an organization to which we become supporting members. With this mindset, we play with different rules – rules that help the organization run smoothly, timely, and orderly. Therefore, the organization is separated into individual memberships and professionals who serve the church organization and are compensated for it. This division of labor recognizes certain caste of players who are qualified for the task of teaching, preaching, singing, maintaining facilities or making wise business decisions. We are told that every member has a place, however small or great in this organization and that each must give “so the work may continue.” We have heard such comments before passing the collection plate down the pews. What work is meant that is dependent on the gift of money in order to continue? The only thing that this can be referencing is the work of that local church organization? Though individual enthusiasts may be dependent on some suppliers to continue their passion, they are not dependent on some organization to control, organize and facilitate their work for them. They are going to do it to the degree that they are able, with or without compensation.