Church Does Not Equal God

In our modern Christian culture, it's easy to conflate the church institution with God Himself. We often hear phrases like "give to God" or "serve God" when what's really being asked is to give to or serve a church organization. While this might seem obvious to some, it's a distinction that's frequently overlooked and misunderstood.

First and foremost, we need to redefine what we mean by "church." The church institution is a building or an organization. It is NOT the people of God on assignment. The New Testament portrays the body of Christ as a living, breathing community of believers, with Jesus Christ as its sole head. This perspective shift is vital in understanding our relationship with God and our role within the body.

It's important to note that there's no New Testament commandment to give to a church organization. While generosity and stewardship are certainly biblical principles, the modern concept of "giving to God" by financially supporting a church institution isn't outlined in scripture.

Perhaps most controversially, we need to reconsider what it means to "serve God." Many activities we associate with serving God are actually just helping a church organization function. Parking cars on Sunday, looking after children during services, playing music, or greeting newcomers - while all valuable contributions - don't inherently equate to serving God. These actions help a church organization operate smoothly, but they're not synonymous with divine service.

This isn't to say these activities are wrong or unimportant. They can be valuable and may indeed be what God calls some individuals to do. However, it's crucial to recognize that participating in church activities doesn't translate to serving God. Our service to God is much broader and more encompassing than our involvement in church programs.

While church organizations play a significant role in many Christians' lives, it's essential to remember that it doesn't equal God. Our faith, our service, and our relationship with God extend far beyond any organization or institution. By keeping this in mind, we can cultivate a more genuine, expansive understanding of what it truly means to follow Christ and serve God in our daily lives.