We have been encouraged to engage our neighbors, co-workers, fellow students, and the stranger that we do not know, to reach out and say, “Come to church, stay for lunch, join us for basketball on Sunday.” The Power of Invitation is exciting! Pointing folks to Jesus Christ as both Savior and Lord is the goal! Furthermore, we are urged not to delay this invitation to Jesus. In a morally bankrupt society where darkness is considered light, and evil is paraded and praised, we must press toward Holiness with all our might.

Marion COG7, are we on board with a missional mind-set? Are we ready to reach out to our community, opening the doors of our church, likewise our own hearts, to receive whom God will direct our way? Yes?! Then let’s consider where we go from here. The unspoken invitation found in our personal example is key. We are Family – The Church - The Body of Christ; though each one different we are one body. “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” (Romans 12:5 KJV) The Bible explains that one is a foot, the other a hand, another being an eye, and so on (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). We have need of each other and unity in the Body is priceless. Consider how difficult it would be if every time your ears noted something important to listen to, your mouth began to speak--loud and continuously! That may sound a bit humorous but sadly I have found myself in this exact circumstance. Wow, how I need to be a better listener and speak more carefully. The point though, in the many different parts (roles and posi-tions) of the Body of Christ we can detract from or enhance the work of the Body.

Thomas Rainer in his book, “I Am A Church Member,” says “Church membership is founded on love.” Just to kick us into gear, think for a minute how unloving it is when we do not function as a healthy responsible member. Our love for our Heavenly Father suffers, and our fellow members suffer too. Which part of the Body is taking up my slack when I am absent or ineffective? Physically speaking, when our bodies are not operating at full capacity, it leads to low productivity, increased frustration, maybe even pain. Spiritually thinking, the Body of Christ can suffer similar symptoms.

We have spent some time stoking the gospel fire here in Marion. We have a growing desire to invite whomever we meet and leave the results to God. By the grace of God, this Body of Believers is primed for growth. Now let us consider, for the Glory of God, am I the functioning MEMBER that is fulfilling my role in the body? Am I ready to love and mentor new life that God will call to Himself? Fueled by a great passion for God and an unmistakable compassion for others, may we Turn Up the Brightness of our Church Member-ship!