The Definition of "The Church" and an epiphany of blessings.

The church, as a believer I define it as the people. Not a building, a place, or a tangible object. Instead, I define church as community, my friends, my relationships, the strength I build in my faith in Christ. The bible says, "where two or three are gathered in my name, there I AM with them." - Matthew 18:20 The church doesn't and shouldn't end with a physical building. But, instead to spread out and be so much more than that. I am the church, you are the church, we are the church. We are vessels of Gods, love and Grace. To reach out and share. Our faith shouldn't end as we walk out of the doors, but extend to every part of our lives. Those who encounter us, should see a change, something different than what is apart of the rest of the world. I realize, I'm speaking something that has probably been drilled into your skulls for what seems like a thousand times over. But, curiosity got the best of me and I decided to Google "The Church." The search yielded the following definition.

Church - CHərCH
noun: church; plural noun: churches
1.a building used for public Christian worship. "they came to church with me" synonyms: place of worship, house of God, house of worship; More a particular Christian organization, typically one with its own clergy, buildings, and distinctive  doctrines.
noun: Church "the Church of England"
synonyms: denomination, ecclesial community; More the hierarchy of clergy of a Christian organization, especially the Roman Catholic Church or the Church of England.
noun: the Church institutionalized religion as a political or social force."the separation of church and state"

The world clearly recognizes the church as a physical building, not as the people, relationship or Christ. By literal definition Google, and the world, aren't completely wrong. Traditionally, we go to a physical building to refresh and gather with other believers. Don't get me wrong the building and institution are not wrong. However, our "Church" shouldn't stop when we walk through the doors to live our lives. 

If we let the church doors hit us in the butt as we walk out. What does that do to our faith? How do we become stronger, rooted, an ever growing tree able to support our communities, families and friends? I wither and die without nourishment. I weaken without a challenge, I become brittle without the workout. My body needs movement, challenges and a goal to strive for. So then, why do I starve my spirituality? Does it not behave in the same ways as my physical self? Therefore, not allowing your faith to become evident and grown in your daily life becomes like going to the doctor and not taking their advise in your journey to physical recovery. We then, become the wounded. Complaining about why we struggle and expecting blessings without doing the work to grow.

Transforming into the body of the Church not only feeds ourselves, but those around us. Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron so one person sharpens another." Therefore, my dear friends, I hope and pray that we continue to sharpen each other. Becoming the ever growing body of Christ. That when weakness comes with waterfalls of doubt and self deprecation. We look to and can lean on those around us. That our lives become a testimate to those around us and they see God through us in all his love, glory and strength. You're times of suffering are always temporary and your promises of blessings are coming. 

Go forth and know, you are loved, protected and seek out the blessings God has surely placed around you.