Obedience is Key

Gene A. Getz, in his book, The Measure of a Church, asks the question, "What is the measure of maturity in the church?" And he lists what others believe are the measure of maturity:

1. An active church (involving people in meetings and programs)
2. A giving church (supporting the church and efforts financially)
3. A growing church (new people coming and staying)
4. A soul-winning church (leading unbelievers to faith and baptism)
5. A smooth-running church (efficient and orderly)
6. A missionary-minded church (supports missionaries around the world)
7. A Spirit-filled church (enthusiastic, emotional)
8. A big church (large attendance, with many programs)

But, God used Paul to give us a different measure for maturity of the church. Paul says that the church is mature when it functions like one body, where Jesus Christ is the Head. When we mature as the church, we individually obey what our "head," Jesus Christ, desires from us.

The Church is not obedient to a set of rules. We are obedient to the Person of Jesus Christ through a trusting relationship and to the truths He has spoken. And our obedience is not just in our head, but in the way we live and serve one another. 

Though some of these elements are vital elements in the church, many of these things can be done without even a thought of God of Jesus Christ. Be sure that if you call yourself a believer today, that your life reflects this in the fruit (actions).  

Let's never forget that the "church" are not facilities or programs - It's people that represent Him effectively.

-Tony Cruz

(portions pulled from SermonCentral)