Relocating to a new country meant finding a new church. The journey wasn’t easy, but a simple experience on a Sunday morning opened my eyes to what truly matters. As my family embarked on the search for a suitable church, we stumbled upon one that caught us by surprise: it had worn-out bathroom floors. Strangely enough, this seemingly insignificant detail sparked a sense of excitement within me.

Why? Because it revealed something profound about the church’s character.

The atmosphere in this church was vibrant and alive – a congregation brimming with energy, lively conversations resonating after the worship service, and a sermon brimming with the rich truths of the gospel. However, what truly stood out was the genuine care and warmth displayed by everyone present. From the welcoming embrace of the pastor and fellow worshippers to the volunteers who greeted our children with beaming smiles, and even the kindness of those seated around us who offered tissues during moments of emotion, it was clear that this church prioritized people above all else.

OUTWARD FOCUS BRINGS TRUE LIFE

In a world where impressive architecture often takes precedence over open-heartedness, this particular church challenged the norm. Their values were evident: investing in people mattered more than maintaining a pristine facility. Their resources and enthusiasm were dedicated to extending a warm embrace to newcomers, rather than obsessing over the appearance of their surroundings. It wasn’t the condition of the linoleum that was significant; it was the depth of their love and compassion.

The decision to put others before themselves is a remarkable one. It’s not always easy for churches to adopt such an outward-focused approach. We might find ourselves asking, shouldn’t we be more concerned with our own needs? However, the counterintuitive truth lies in Jesus’ teaching: “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it” (Mark 8:35 NLT). Prioritizing the needs of others brings about a profound sense of fulfillment and genuine life.

This profound insight became even clearer within the church with the weathered floors. Their priority was evident: fostering a sense of community took precedence over refurbishing the building. Their example serves as a thought-provoking challenge for all of us. Are we too focused on ourselves? Here are some questions that encourage introspection:

1. 1. 1. How do we perceive the world beyond our church walls – as a potential threat or an opportunity to spread the love of Christ?1. Do our actions and attitudes lean more toward receiving or giving?
      2. Are we enthusiastic about engaging in outreach, or do we display reluctance?
      3. Do we cling to the past, or are we eagerly anticipating God’s work in the present?
      4. Does our allocation of resources reflect a commitment to outward-reaching ministry?
      5. Are we tempted to prioritize the comfort of those within our congregation over the souls outside our church?

The truth is, all of us struggle with a tendency toward self-centeredness. However, the boundless mercy of God equips us to overcome this inclination. Our ultimate goal extends beyond well-maintained bathrooms; it revolves around glorifying Christ by serving others selflessly. In the same way that our Savior embraced us, setting aside personal comfort and even His life, we too are called to extend a radical and all-encompassing welcome.

Remember, the objective isn’t about linoleum or aesthetics; it centers on sharing Christ’s boundless love. Let’s mirror Christ’s example by willingly relinquishing our own comfort for the sake of others – just as He did for us.

This is a summary of Why I Chose the Church with Worn-Out Bathrooms by Jen Oshman. You can read the full article at thegospelcoalition.org