I Love Jesus but Hate the Church

By Abi Ruelo

What is the difference between a house and a home? A house is simply the structure that you live in. A home is where people live in unity with one another. The church is your home. But most of the time, you do not like the people in it. In the church, believers need to stand up for the truth. The truth should be upheld there. If you cannot stand up for the truth in church, it will crumble. At the same time, the church is where the godliness of Jesus Christ is revealed. And because it was revealed there, you are expected to be godly too.

1 Timothy 3:14-16 says, “I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. 16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.” Paul explains these things just in case he is delayed in his travels. We all know the church is not a building. It is the body of Christ. We are the church. Paul says the church is the pillar and foundation of truth. The community of believers serve as an earthly support system and protector that holds up, displays and defends the truth of the gospel for all to see. Is that how you feel when you enter the church? Do you feel the support and protection from the people inside? Do you feel that the people inside can and will defend the truth of the gospel and the good news of Christ for all to see?

There are 3 things Paul is pointing out.

1. The church is God’s household. (v. 15a) - The home and the family that lives in it is a household. The people in a household have different responsibilities and they all need to help each other. No one can work on their own. People need the church because it is where they belong, in a family whose conduct reflects the presence of God. They all work toward one goal. In a household, people do not always get along. But if the household is healthy, they will continue to work together to achieve what God has tasked them to do.

2. The church is the pillar and the foundation of truth. (v.15b) - People need the church because the truth is upheld and displayed here. And what is the truth? John 14:6 says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus is the truth and that is what the church believes in. The good news is spread because of the church, the body of Christ. The church should be strong because Jesus is its cornerstone. At the same time, the church is the pillar of Christianity. Pillars, no matter how run down they are, stand strong and is noticeable by people. The church, as a pillar, should lift high the truth of Christ in a world of confusion. In each believer, a pillar of the church, Jesus should be seen in their lives.

3. The mystery of the godliness of Christ was revealed to the church. (v. 16) - People need the church because the godliness is revealed and sustained in Christ through the gathered witness of believers. On your own, you cannot display the fulness of Christ. The secret to this is Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection. He made us godly and worthy because of that.

With this knowledge, what is the believer supposed to do?

1. Practice family conduct. Romans 12:9-10 says, “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” In each family, there is a certain way of doing things. It is the same in church. There is a certain way of doing things in church and you are known for it. If you work with love, people will notice. How you treat others will precede your reputation.

2. Lift God’s truth on high. 2 Timothy 4:2 says, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” Boldly uphold and display God’s word in daily life. Just like pillars, let the truth be visible in your speech, actions and decisions.

3. Reveal Jesus together. Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” We cannot uphold the truth of Jesus Christ on our own. It is better to embrace the mystery of godliness by worshipping, serving and proclaiming Christ as one body. Alone, your testimony is partial and incomplete. But together, you display God’s glory fully.

Choose to go home all the time. It may not be perfect, but it is perfect for you. There is nothing you can do to stop God from loving you anyway. So stop running away from Him. Keep your eyes on Jesus and always have an audience of only One.