The Perfect Church?

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6

Are you looking for the perfect church? A “perfect” church would be filled with perfect people who are all living perfect lives, doing everything right, never hurting each other’s feelings, never needing to ask for forgiveness, and always knowing exactly how you feel. If you are looking for the perfect church, you can quit looking. You won’t find it. It doesn’t exist. 

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t find a church family to be part of. Church families, like regular families, can be messy at times. Even God’s children are a work in progress. Paul recognized this when he wrote his letter to the Philippians. Paul is writing to all God’s people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the church leaders and deacons (Phil.1:1). Paul recognizes that even the church leaders and deacons are a work in progress.

We are all a work in progress. God is patient when it comes to you and me and all believers, even those in positions of authority. And sometimes we need to be patient with one another. 

While there may be special circumstances in which you need to find another place to fellowship, please don’t throw the baby out with the bath. Don’t abandon your faith or fellowship because the local church is not perfect. Only God is perfect. The rest of us are a work in progress and I say with Paul, that I am certain that God, who began a good work within each one of us, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.