Growing A Healthy Church Primjer

“Healthy Churches Keep the First Thing First” The ultimate goal of the church is not growth, great environments, or effectiveness. The ultimate goal of the church is to bring God glory. Everything is for His glory. Healthy churches keep first things first. They passionately seek God. They are not driven by programs or numbers or accolades, but use them as they are driven by the Spirit of God and making Jesus’ name known. They are seeking God’s glory to be revealed through them. They are hungry to know God more. They understand that the Gospel is not ultimately about us, but it is about God. They constantly fight to keep first things first. We see the first-hand struggle of doing for Jesus versus being with Jesus in Luke 10. This well-known story of Mary and her sister, Martha, stills speaks to us today about the need to keep our relationship with Jesus primary to our mission for Jesus. “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 Don’t busy yourself so much with God’s work that you forget to be in His presence. As you read today’s scriptures, remember that you’re a follower of Christ first and foremost. Your ultimate goal is to know God and make Him known, all for His glory!