The Hidden Beauty of the Church

While walking around inside an old but still well used church building, I found myself in a kind of gatehouse with a dusty old staircase leading down from one end. Crossing the room, it was clear that no-one had come through here for some time. I nervously peered down the stairs and decided to investigate further as I hadn't realised there were more rooms here and I don't think others knew about them either. As I found the bottom, I drew breath in an awestruck and stunned moment of silence as my eyes took in the scene.

Before me was a magnificent space; lush red carpet, bright but beautiful lighting and golden fabric decorated this massive room. Although this underground cathedral hadn't seen visitors for years, it also seemed like preparations had only just ended for a great feast, with tables set for what must be an exquisite meal and a grand occasion. I could do nothing but stare and absorb the atmosphere and feel glad that I could witness this moment, but hoping that I would be able to stay longer and see what was about to begin.

        Photo © crabchick on a Creative Commons Licence

It was then that I woke up, with an immense feeling of honour at witnessing this beautiful moment, if only in the form of a dream. I was sure that I had glimpsed a kind of beauty associated with God and his plans for the church.

This dream has stirred a desire in me to glimpse more of the coming feast, a celebration of God's presence and his kingdom, which is currently hidden away but will one day be the greatest event, party and ongoing celebration of life and love that we can imagine (although I wouldn't claim I could even imagine 1%).

The problem is, it is hidden. I know it's there but I rarely see it. God's kingdom of simple love and service as a response to his gift seems too hidden behind questions, doubts, ideas, projects (even perfectly good ones) for it to be meaningful to say that it is already here. But I believe when I read that God's plans are like a mustard seed which will grow into a tree that no-one will miss and all will benefit from. I trust that Jesus himself planted a robust seed that has now had 2 millennia of watering, sunshine, weeding and cultivating. I want to see more...

And I want the world to see more too. Because when the love of God is expressed, the church shines; when the church shines, it is a place people can feast.

It's not just those who don't count themselves part of the church that need to see this hidden beauty, but us on the inside too. I'm no stranger to debates, cynicism or confusion, to the point of wanting to give up on God (or at least my fallen concept of God), but when I see his love expressed, it lifts me, it opens my eyes and it teaches my heart something my mind often misses. When I see love, I see the point.

Practically speaking, I want to hear more stories that honour God, honour the people that are pleasing him and point people to the beauty of the church community, a place where God's life and love set the tone. I don't in any way want to puff up the pride in us that might make us think Open Heaven is uniquely special, but in hearing what others have done and seen of God at work, I (we) might be more inclined, motivated and desperate to see more of it in our lives.

So my desire isn't to start a bragging match about our good deeds but to be inspired and inspire others by drawing attention to those things that often go unnoticed that are exactly what God's way is all about. No-one's looking for man's empty praise, but does that mean we should cover our beauty, hide away and pretend not to notice the important kingdom moments going on around us?

For instance, I heard of someone who had a difficult meeting at work in which, professionally at least, they were required to question an employees future with the project. But it was evident from asking how the meeting had gone that whether consciously or not, God's agenda had risen to the top of this person's motivation and a greater wholeness of this valuable individual had become the focus of the meeting. God's Spirit has permeated someone's values to the extent that their business life is working out God's plans for people around him. I love that! It inspires me, but it's no good if I've never heard about it. Beauty that is hidden is still beautiful but how much better to share.

Next time you see something like this, encourage the person involved, remember it and use it to inspire yourself and others. As we gain ideas and confidence that God really can use us in so many ways, we might come to realise the strange mystery that we are partners with God in bringing about his future kingdom. It's time to open the doors to that prepared room, invite people in to witness the beauty and joins God's feast.

Please God, teach us to see your love expressed in others and spur us to grow in your strength into a church that seeks no glory but that of your own, seen through our willingness to give our all that your kingdom might impact all parts of our lives.

Posted by: Phil Lyon on Wednesday Sep 10th, 2008

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