The Church is like a weed

Does it bother you that there are so many churches? It does me. As I drive from my home to my own church meeting I pass probably a dozen churches—some traditional buildings, some tiny storefronts, others hidden in industrial parks or rented schoolrooms. I don’t know the people who attend any of these congregations, and don’t have a particular desire to. That's odd, if you take seriously the prayer of Jesus that we believers should be one, as He and the Father are one.

But there’s another way to look at it. In my cursory studies of church history, I’ve noticed a pattern: Spontaneous movements have always sprung up within Christendom, particularly since the reformation, but before as well. They defy all efforts by civil or church authorities to stop them; in fact they flourish most in hostile environments. In this sense, the church resembles a weed.

Does this sound insulting, even blasphemous? Don’t be offended. I have great admiration for weeds, after decades of observing and fighting them. You should too. Like everything else in God’s creation, weeds have something to teach us.

Here are four ways the church is like a weed:

  1. It is irrepressible. The church’s most explosive growth took place under the oppressive thumb of the Roman Empire. In our day, the church in China and North Korea has expanded to untold millions—under the most horrific conditions imaginable. Like a weed, the church has proven to be amazingly sturdy and resilient.
  2. It multiplies. The church not only thrives in adversity, it spreads—like the weeds in my backyard planter.  No sooner do I dig up the obvious ones than I notice three more in their place. Getting rid of them is literally an impossible task. We should be happy to see churches springing up in every corner of our world. Clearly, that’s the way God wanted it.
  3. It is unwanted. What’s the difference between a weed and a domesticated plant? Basically, the weed did not have my permission to grow. I wanted my rose bush in that spot—nothing else. Instead, this unsightly intruder has the impudence to assert itself, without shame, in my very own planter! It bothers me, but I can’t get rid of it. Now, look at the way the world responds to any visible presence of the church beyond its own walls. We are indeed unwanted. We are rude, repugnant, and irritating to those who view themselves as the natural stewards of the world system. If the presence of so many churches makes you feel unsettled—imagine what it does to the god of this world! We are an endless source of vexation to him, but he just can’t stamp us out. 
  4. It has hidden value. Isn’t it just like God to disguise his most valuable secrets in unappealing packages? Nettles, dandelions, chickweed, comfrey, chamomile and buckwheat are among hundreds of common herbs that may be growing in your yard right now. They’re obnoxious because they grow where we don’t want them. But it turns out, they’re all useful as food, medicine, or both. The church has an unappreciated function of nourishing and healing human beings, whenever they happen to stumble through its doors.

As you pass by the hundreds of churches in your neighborhood, you might say a quiet prayer of thanks for the profusion of God’s life, in places it’s not expected or wanted.

Comments

  1. Go, Bill! your website and your blog both need . . . your music!
    your fan, Bobbin Corey

    ReplyDelete
  2. Bobbin, my old friend! It's so good to hear from you. I'll work on that.

    ReplyDelete

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