Date: 10/30/2007
Author: Devin Pickard
Title: October 30, 2007
Fairfield’s a mess. Now, I don’t mean trash on the floors or anything in dis-array….Gary and Janet Basford always do an excellent job cleaning the building. I don’t mean that the church grounds are un-kept…..Gerry Hinson and crew always keep the outside area looking in tip-top shape. I mean we are a mess spiritually, both collectively and as individuals. Don’t get me wrong, the Fairfield Church of Christ has some of the finest people God has ever placed on the earth. We have some of those “if they don’t make it to heaven there is no point in me trying” people. But I can guarantee you that we have some on the other side of the fence as well, and the one sitting at the computer typing this is at the front of the line (no, it’s not Ms. Carolyn). I dare say that there are not many sins listed in God’s word that one member or another hasn’t participated in at least once. In fact, many of us have committed multiple offenses. If the sin auditor were to make a surprise inspection, we would fail miserably. Sounds like a great bunch of folks, huh?
Let me answer that last question. IT IS a great bunch of folks and there is NOWHERE else that I would rather be and no other people that I would rather be around. Yes, we are all sinners. Yes, we have been guilty of being un-righteous, un-deserving, and un-loveable, sometimes all at the same time. No, we have not always made the best decisions and yielded to the right choices. And….that’s exactly why we are a part of the Lord’s Church at 1860 Highway 100. Adrian Rogers said that the Church is the only other group of people besides the Hell’s Angels who have to admit how bad they are before they are allowed to join. Of course, the Church is not a social club that you join. Per Acts 2:47, the Lord ADDS to the Church those who desire to be saved (we lowly sinners). The Body of Christ is specifically for the imperfect, “broad way” traveling individuals of this world who seem to make it a habit of falling by the wayside.
I have often heard that “home should be a soft place to land”. It should be a place that is inviting, peaceful, welcoming and reassuring. I think the members of Fairfield are members of Fairfield because of that same reason….it is a soft place to land. I am so thankful for the new families and individuals who have come our way recently. I am so thankful for the members of this Church who have invited those folks to come experience the joy of being a part of a loving, unconditional body of believers. The unconditional trait comes from the facts mentioned above….you know, the sin thing. We are made aware in the Bible that even though we are sinners and messed up, God still loves us anyway, unconditionally. (Romans 5:8) We have made it our mission at Fairfield to make that known to as many people as possible.
If you are looking for a perfect Church, you just as well pass us on by. But, if you are looking for a Church where imperfect members lean on one another, rely on one another and support one another, turn your blinker on. Sure, we have a few saints, but boy, the rest of us sure would skunk them in a game of tug of war. You know, because there are far more of us than there are of them.
Go the extra mile - Devin