Why is it so hard for the church to be the church?

 For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.

Matthew 18:20 NLT

I notice that some who believe in the Lord have a hard time talking about Him. 

They seem to feel uncomfortable unless it’s formal.  If the discussion isn’t at a certain place during a certain time with a Bible out, they feel awkward. 

After the certain time at a certain place the conversation goes back to “normal.” 

Football.  Fishing.  Politics. 

This is fine of course.  Christians can and should talk about “unspiritual” things.  But their ASSUMPTIONS should betray them as Christians.  Not Bible verses necessarily.  But a clear connection to Christ that cannot go unsaid. 

This is because of a false definition of church. 

We all seem to know the church is not the building. 

Theoretically.

  

We believe Jesus is with us by His Spirit.   

Theologically.

But imagine two or three believers in a grocery store.  Friends. Neighbors shopping together.  They talk about problems at work.  Without thinking, they ask each other Bible verses dealing with the problems.  They apply the Bible verses to the problems and encourage each other. 

Is this church? 

Is Jesus actually with these neighbors in the grocery store?

According to Jesus Himself, He is!

He made it clear to a Samaritan woman that location was no longer an issue.  (It never was.)  God is Spirit.  His worshipers worship in spirit and truth. 

So why is it so hard for the church to be the church? 

Please don’t mishear me. 

This is not another rant or criticism from one believer against other believers.

What I’m saying is this:  Church is easy to have!  To experience.  To be. 

If believers simply say what’s in their hearts, church reality will happen naturally and effortlessly.

Jesus taught that what we say without thinking reveals our hearts.  For example, I know someone who loves talking about God all the time, all day, everyday.  No matter the topic, God will naturally come up.  Not so that he may “witness” to an unbeliever.  Not so that he may encourage a believer.  He simply can’t help it.  The same is true in terms of his wife and children.  At some point in talking to him, you will hear about them.  They are his life on earth.   How can they not come up?

In the same way, how can the very source of our lives and salvation not come up in normal conversation?  How can there NOT be church when two or three believers get together…whenever, wherever, however?