If the church is ever to change the world

I have often read the beatitudes as things applying to individual Christians.

As I read it today, though, I thought about the church? Can we say these things of the church today?

Are we a church of the poor in spirit, people living each day in humble dependence on the grace of God?

Are we a church of people who have known and do know mourning, but also know Christ’s comfort?

Are we a church of the humble and gentle? Or of the proud and combative?

Are we a church that hungers and thirsts for righteousness? That weeps at and repents of its sin and rejoices in what is good?

Are we a church that is merciful? Or simply a church that rails at the sin around it?

Are we a church that is pure in heart, wholly devoted to our Savior?

Are we a church of peacemakers? People who reconcile people with their God and people with each other?

Are we a church of those who are sometimes persecuted for righteousness’ sake? Or does the world love us all the time because we think just like them?

If not, consider the words of Jesus.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty?

It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. (Matthew 5:13)

How many churches have lost their taste and no longer flavor the world?

Is it any wonder that the world is in the shape it is in?

You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden.

No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. (14-16)