What Is Wrong?  
By Mike Rule

I have been noticing how so many of us notice all that is wrong with the Church today.  I firmly believe the Church is far from its original intent, but I have to ask if I really believe God has it under control.  In my mind I am sure He does, but in my emotions I really struggle to believe it. 

So often we see all that is wrong and set out -- with the greatest intentions -- to change it.  Recently the Lord has laid it on my heart to ask for His perspective.  As my eyes are beginning to open a little I am seeing that it isn’t as bad as I might first believe. 

First, there are no institutions in His kingdom; only people.  God is working through the institutional Church to build His spiritual Church.  The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  That doesn’t mean that there are few people trying to work in the harvest.  There are people running all over with their teachings trying to convince people that their way is right. When Jesus said those words, did He offer it as a challenge or simply a statement of fact?  I suspect He meant there are few who understand what God is up to and as a result real, fruitful workers are few.  The work is to bring people -- Christian and non-Christian alike -- to seeing that Jesus is ALL they need!  As I said, there are no institutions in the Kingdom, but He works through the institution to draw people to Himself. 

Secondly, as humans we tend to see what is wrong.   Jesus sees from a different perspective.  He always sees what is right.  If He didn’t, He would not continue to allow all that is wrong.  God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.  Everything is working for the ultimate good.  Everything is working for us. 

The challenge for us is to stop making judgments of what is good and what is evil.  When we do that we are eating off the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (worldly wisdom) again.  I am challenged to eat from the Tree of Life (Jesus) and to pray for God’s perspective in order to see what He sees in His Bride.  I have a hunch that when He reveals it, we will be pleasantly surprised.