People measure churches by the the height of the steeples, the depth of the endowments, or the length of the membership rosters. How do you measure church?  

Height, depth, and length are good ways to measure church if it is:

• the height of the up-reach to God in worship; 

• the depth of the commitment of the church to do God's will; 

• and the length of the list of the members who actually become disciples of Jesus Christ. 

Worldly measurements have taken over the church.  Palm Sunday, Jesus riding into town on a donkey, is Jesus saying I measure life differently.  No muscular white stallion with flowing mane.  No soldiers, with shiny armor and spears.  A donkey?  Poor people waving branches?  Jesus said, "If you want to be my disciple, take up your cross and follow." (Matthew 16.24)  

Jesus didn't spend much time justifying himself to the world. He didn't define himself using worldly measurements.  He defined Himself, because, to quote Audrey Lord: "If I didn't define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people's fantasies for me and eaten alive."  

Oneness with God.  Obedience to love. Welcome for all. 

Church!

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Thought for today: 

I am church.

 Prayer for today: 

Make me a Cathedral, Lord,

to your glory.  

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God's Peace and Blessings,

   Rob+