What do you think of when you hear the word “church?”

Do you think of a building? An organization? A group of smiling, happy people holding hands? If you were to define the church in one, single word, what word would you use?

I think if Jesus was asked that question there is a high chance he’d use this one: mission. The church is a mission. We aren’t on a mission, we are a mission. We are God’s hands and heart and eyes and ears right here on Earth. It’s easy to lose track of that. Its easy to fall into the kind of thinking that says all we are is a “body” of people who “share” the same core “beliefs.” But that’s not a church. That’s a club.

A church is a mission. As a matter of fact, the church is God’s mission on Earth. We need to remember that because when we forget we start to fall into the thinking that the church is a way that uses to do His work. The truth is, the church is the way God works. And you are a part of that.

The church is how God says to us, “I’m committed. I’m all in.” Here’s what the Bible says about this:

…Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.
- Ephesians 5:25-27 (NIV)

That’s committed. That’s all in. And He did that for the church. If Jesus is all in we need to be all in too.

Committed means there is no quit. It’s easy to throw in the towel when things get rough. It’s easy to say, “This isn’t for me” when the future doesn’t look bright. But when Jesus faced the cross, He didn’t quit. He said, “Father, Your will be done.” He was committed.

Committed means doing your part. Yes, the church is a body. That means we all have our part to play. The problem is many of us don’t want to do our part. Oh, for a season we volunteer or help out, but we aren’t willing to take ownership. It’s easier to sit back and watch others do it. But that’s not being the church, that’s just “playing” church. Committed means each of us takes an area of the ministry and owns it. We say “Pastor, don’t worry about this, it’s mine.”

Committed means sacrifice. Committed means we serve not because the church needs workers but because we believe in the vision God has given. Commited means we step out, risk our time and our reputations. Committed means we sacrifice a past-time like going to the desert or playng softball or going bowling or going to the movies because those are temporary but building the kingdom has everlasting impact.

Here’s the thing: only the committed experience the victories. Don’t be fooled: God will always get the victory. But those who quit aren’t around to see it. Those who don’t do their part don’t share in it. Those who do not sacrifice get nothing for their time. Only the committed get to see and experience the greatest works of God.

So here’s the question: do you have an uncompromising commitment to the mission of God at Living Hope?