The Church
Carlos Enrique Mejia, Council of Twelve Apostles
(Adapted from Exploring Community of Christ Basic Beliefs: A Commentary edited by Anthony J. Chvala-Smith, p. 124. A Kindle version is available at www.HeraldHouse.org.)
Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us. -Ephesians 4:29, 31-32-5:1-2
The church is where we find sanctuary, where we receive guidance to convert us into disciples. That is where we can grow in our relationship with God, grow in our faith, and where we create and strengthen our interpersonal relationships, where ministry is received and given. I met Christ and the church in 1984 in a small town in Honduras. This has been the greatest blessing that could have come to my life. In the church I met my wife, we had a family, and it was there that we were born and grew spiritually through our relationships with God, Christ, and our brothers and sisters.
My family has been a part of all the changes the church has had in the last 33 years. We, along with many other members, have gone through many difficult situations that the church has suffered. Many times, as human beings, we have thought that it was the end, but quite the contrary. I have always seen that, because of those crises, the church has become more united and strengthened through the power of the Holy Spirit, and the unity of its members.
I call the church indestructible because it belongs to God. How has the church been able to grow, be transformed, and help so many other people and communities in the world? It has only been possible through the Holy Spirit that supports it, sustains it, and guides it.
My eldest daughter asked me one day, “Papi, what would our life be like if we didn’t know Christ, and we weren’t in the church? I feel the church is our second home where my family is so much bigger and more diverse.” I felt a great satisfaction at hearing what the church means to her and everyone in our home, and to see the fruits of those examples and teachings that my wife and I have been able to ingrain in our daughters. Today I can see how this eldest daughter and her husband are transmitting the same example to their son. I’m happy to see my entire house serving the Lord and the church.
Many times, in the field where I serve as apostle, I have heard nonmember friends say Community of Christ is different. They say there is something special reflected in its members. Our Enduring Principles define the essence, the heart, and soul of our identity, mission, and message. They describe the personality of the church that is expressed through its members and its congregations. Brothers and sisters, we are called to love our spiritual home, to transmit to other generations God’s love through Jesus Christ and the church.
Prayer Phrase
“Practice Resurrection” (Wendell Berry).
Spiritual Practice
Breath Prayer
During this Easter season, we invite you daily into a breath prayer focused on resurrection. With each exhale, respond in a word or phrase to the question, “What is dying?” (fear, anger, assumptions, etc.) With each inhale, notice a response in a word or phrase to the question “What is rising?” (love, courage, trust, etc.) You may choose to use the same word or phrase throughout this season, or let each day bring its own unique response to this sacred pattern of dying and rising that is central to our faith.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
