BY: Minister Jesus Osorio
The scrutiny imposed on the details of the function of the church within the community seems to increase more and more. The church may have a clear motive and purpose for which it congregates within the community, which, according to scriptures, is to serve and worship God as they know how. Many feel that the sanctuary is the place of peace and security, apart from all the crime and mayhem outside the wall of the church. However, worshiping God within the church doesn’t seem to be solving the problem with crime, especially the recent spike of violence experience in Milwaukee. Several pastors from respective denominations in Milwaukee, are coming together to find a solution to the violence. However, is the plan proposed a feasible solution to the problem? Are guns truly the problem, or are we failing to look at this issue for what it is? As children of God, we cannot bring peace by removing “objects” of violence if we don’t focus on bringing peace to troubled souls. The church has an important role in the community that is aside from any political involvement. Church leaders are to pray to God for guidance in reaching out to the community. There are three distinct purposes for the church in the community:
1. The church is “light of this world” – The number one purpose of the church is to be light to the world. This was expressed in Mathews 5:14 when Jesus said: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Light causes darkness to run away. This light Jesus spoke about reveals truth about Him, and about the sins of men. The church is like that city set on the hill that shines upon the world. If those in darkness are not attracted to this light, we must ask ourselves how bright the light is.
2. The church is the “salt of this world” – The church doesn’t only bring forth light to those in darkness, but is also serves as “salt of the earth”. Jesus expressed this when He said: “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” – Mathews 5:13 I believe this is the reason why people have a hard time receiving the message of hope. The salt, which is a type of food ingredient, has lost its flavor through time. Many churches are simply buildings occupied by members who are saltless and ineffective, and therefore, have no flavor.
3. The church is to heal, serve and liberate – Just as Jesus did in His three and half year ministry on earth, so should the church model this behavior. However, this healing goes beyond science and medicine that seeks to find ways to cure and heal sickness. The church has the supernatural power to heal the sickness that is produced by sin. To serve means to put others in priority above ourselves. In Mathews chapter 8, we see Jesus in action healing serving and liberating people, always putting others first. When Jesus sent out the twelve apostles on a mission, he said this: “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” – Mathews 10: 8
Although churches are to encourage members and believers to live a righteous life, that is, besides living according to God’s word, believers are to obey the laws that govern the country (Romans 13), it is also important to note that, the church is to find solutions to the many social problems people face today. If Milwaukee is having a problem with crime, it is due to the social and risk factors that play a role in the lives of many. Removing guns does not remove the threat of violence. But, if the church wants to be more effective in reducing crime, the church must focus on the source of crime. But then again, if the church fails to uphold their purpose of existence, then making these ill-fainted efforts will be the only solution that has no resolution. May God have mercy on us all.
Jesus Osorio