A Courageous Church
By Rev. Dr. Monica Jones, Contributing Writer
As the church considers the challenges of returning to or remaining in whatever status circumstances require, the words revealed to John by Christ Jesus for the church at Philadelphia in Revelation provide us guidance. In chapter 3, John’s message to the people has to do with the necessity of holding on amid adversity and remembering who it is that provides the opportunity.
Revelation 3:8 says, “I know your works. Look, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” Christ Jesus is proclaiming that if we just hold on, even with a little strength, the door of opportunity will be opened. It will be a door that no one can shut. Our job is to be courageous and faithful.
Three points are important in this message today. First, to be a courageous and faithful church, we should seize every opportunity to make a difference. Secondly, we must be strong in adversity. Finally, we must remain steadfast to our purpose and the Word of God.
Opportunity is a precious thing. It does not come around often. When it does, we must grab and use it to serve God’s church. Some remember a song by the great singer Lou Rawls called, “If I Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda,” where he moans about the opportunity he had to find true love and how he lost it. When God presents us with a challenge, we can ignore or run from it. If we maintain a spirit of faith, however, we can see it as an opportunity to do something meaningful for God’s people.
When we lose our plush job, perhaps it is an opportunity to start our own business. When a loan doesn’t go through at one bank, perhaps it is an opportunity to begin a relationship with a new and better bank. When one ministry ends, perhaps it is an opportunity to begin a new and more effective ministry. It is often not easy; but, make a difference by turning setbacks into successes. For example, don’t be afraid of new approaches. Technology has seen us through a challenging period. Embrace it! It may be a vehicle to the dawning of a new and permanent ministry. Make a difference by turning visions into victories. Make a difference by turning “we can’t” into “we can!”
Next, be strong in the Lord, even in adversity! In his message, Christ Jesus said that when we have just a little strength to follow his will and keep his word, he will open the door for us. Do not allow doubters and doom thinkers to determine your future. Just have a little strength and keep going. I am sure you have seen the Eveready commercial with the pink bunny rabbit. It doesn’t matter what he comes up against—a fierce enemy or ship from out of space—he gets his drum, holds his head up, and keeps on moving.
When others tell you that it can’t be done, just look to the Source of your strength and keep on moving. When part of the church doesn’t share the vision, do not fear, just keep on moving. The Lord will be with you and will give you what you need to get the job done. It takes a little strength and Jesus.
Finally, do not let challenges and uncertainty change your focus. If the Lord has given you a purpose, stay with it. Go to the Bible and read what the Holy Scripture says about remaining steadfast and true to your work. Read what it says in Isaiah about those who wait on the Lord. Read what it says in Psalms about walking through shadows of death and God’s presence. Read what it says in Luke about Mary’s magnifying the Lord.
Remain steadfast! Don’t give up! Praise God each day for the great things that he has done and will do. To be a courageous church, keep up the work you have begun and continue to use every opportunity to make a difference. To be a courageous church, don’t let adversity stop you. Stay strong in the Lord. To be a courageous church, remain steadfast to your purpose and the Word of God. In this era of strife and crisis, it is our duty and calling.
The Rev. Monica C. Jones, Ph.D. is the director of Christian Education Ministries at Big Bethel AME Church in Atlanta, Georgia.
