Why do people place membership with a particular congregation? The responses we are given are varied: “It’s a friendly church. The preacher is dynamic. The building is beautiful. They have great programs. They have a good youth group. There is so much activity and excitement there. They understand and accept me.”
With a few exceptions, the same reasons could be given for joining a fraternity, a health club, or any professional organization. Is there a more valid criterion for selecting a congregation? Yes! Pleasing God must be our first priority in life (cf. Eccl. 12:13; Micah 6:8; Acts 10:35). Our greatest concern should be to select a local church where all members (especially leaders) are trying to be true to God’s Word. If a congregation is not serious about staying true to the Book, then all the programs, hype, and enthusiasm amount to little more than momentary distraction.
How did Jesus evaluate the churches of Asia near the end of the first century? His assessment of the church at Ephesus centered on its tolerance of wicked people and false teachers, hard work, perseverance in hardship, and action which had characterized their initial love (Rev. 2:1-7). Smyrna needed to stand up under the persecution of opponents and false religious figures (Rev. 2:8-11). Pergamos was tolerating some members who were holding to false teachings (Rev. 2:12-13). Thyatira was tolerating doctrinal impurity (Rev. 2:18-29). In virtually every case, what was important to Jesus was whether these churches knew and defended the truth and whether they put the truth into practice in their own lives.
In our selection of a congregation, we need to find a church where the words of eternal life are revered and where Christ is in their midst (Rev. 2:10). Little else really matters.
