2 Corinthians 4:13-14
Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.
When a church or even a corporation finds itself in a malaise and lack of unified zeal, it is probable that, among other problems, they have strayed from their mission. Whether it is a corporation, driven by an ideology instead of promoting their product, or a church, fighting about insignificant issues, returning to their original purpose is the only answer to the problem. The phrase is profound, if a bit ungrammatical. Dance with who brung you. Jesus Christ brought us. The church exists to fulfill the mission of Jesus Christ, to make disciples all over the world, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Paul was driven by that mission and so became unpopular in Corinth for demanding the same of them.
To be on the same mission, the churches in America need to have the same spirit of faith, believing the gospel message, that Jesus rose and so will we, not by our will but by his. His grace means we are saved from condemnation and eternal torment. Now our mission is to see to it that as many people hear this gospel message as possible. Any other “mission” is best left unaccomplished. May we be on task as Paul was in Corinth, whether it makes us unpopular or not. We believe. Now we must speak.
Dear Lord, you are the author of salvation, saved by grace. Help us to speak out about the gospel of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.