Saved By the Bell or Saved by Jesus Christ

By Arianna Reed

A Healthy Church Culture

We are so fortunate to be in a healthy church environment. We must always stay in the Word and be mindful of practices that may threaten what we work hard at establishing. Many churches can fall into cliques, like you are back in high school. To be like Christ is to love and welcome all who come through the church doors, promoting inclusiveness through activities.

What Scripture Calls Us To

In James 2:1 The Bible reads, “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of Glory.”

Philippians 2:1-2 also tells us, “…if there is encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”

Putting It Into Practice

Are you acting in God’s love? Or are you only staying in your comfort zone?

It is easy to gravitate to the people we see in our everyday life, which is rewarding, but equally rewarding is being welcoming to a quiet soul in the corner. You never want to appear as “silently dismissing contact” and only talking with a select few. A kind gesture, smile, or warm greeting can really make a person’s day. If there is an event and a person looks like a lost soul, do not be afraid to welcome them to where your group may be, or even if it is just yourself.

My son has held onto his very dated toy Woody from Toy Story, and I can’t help but hum the tune “You got a friend in me”. The world can be a harsh place; the church should always be a place for solace. In the Bible, we know Jesus was known to frequently and intentionally associate with outcasts like the tax collectors and the sick. May we practice WWJD and be welcoming to all and their faith journeys. Let’s go and make disciples while bringing Christ’s hope and healing to the masses!