If you go to church, then you've heard it. More than likely, you've even said it. I know I have on more than one occasion. It’s a phrase that is so easy to say, but, for many reasons, is totally wrong. A phrase that is diametrically opposed to everything the Bible teaches. A phrase that, in my opinion, does more to hinder the mission of the church than it will ever do to help it. A phrase that is common among Christians, yet sinful. It’s not curse words, it’s not salty language, it’s not gossip or backbiting—it’s something far worse.
It’s claiming ownership of something that belongs to God.
I love Easter: a time to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus! This is my favorite time of the year! But it’s at this time that I hear well-meaning church members say, “I’d love for you to come to my church on Easter.” That’s harmless enough, right? Well, not really.
I can hear you saying right now as you read this: “Come on, Chris. This is silly. There is nothing wrong with saying that. They're just trying to invite people to church!” Well, don't log off just yet, but keep reading.
Let’s fast-forward a few years to one of those tension-filled business meetings, when you hear that seasoned saint proclaim to the church that this was “her church” and the proposed new way of doing church wasn't going to happen under her watch.
Same phrase, yet very different, wouldn't you agree?
So, let’s do away with the “my church” phrase once and for all. Here are three reasons why we should:
#1 - Because Christ is Preeminent
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him, all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. (Colossians 1:15–23)
It can’t be my church, because I am a sinner in need of grace—and you are, too! But Christ, He is preeminent! Preeminent means “surpassing all others.” It would do us good to look to the Bible to find out who we are and who Christ is! Remember, HE is the head of His church and He is above all!
#2 - Because Christ paid the greatest price
…knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. (1 Peter 1:18–21)
You may have contributed much of your time, your talents, and even some of your treasure over many years, but if you are reading this, you haven't laid down your life for the church. Even if you would give your life, it wouldn’t be enough to save yourself—so little in comparison to His life that saved a countless number from every tribe, tongue, and nation. This Christ, He is the only perfect sacrifice, He gave it all, and He gave it freely for His church.
#3 - Because Christ can’t be separated from His church
But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” (Acts 9:1–5)
Notice what Jesus said: “Why are you persecuting Me?” He didn't say “those people” or “the church,” but Me. Christ and His church are inseparable! To say it’s “my church” or “your church” is to try and drive a wedge between Christ and His church, an unfathomable sin.
Excited church members have used this phrase to invite their friends to special services. Young pastors use it to describe their place of employment. Old deacons use it to claim their ground and teenagers use it when they are texting their peers. But let’s remember that it’s not your church, nor is it my church. It is Christ’s church! No matter how new you are, or how long you've been around, don't be lazy with your speech or with your thinking. Read your Bible, pray and ask God to help you think and act biblically, especially when it involves Him and His church!
For His Glory,
Pastor Chris