A good friend recently shared a picture with me of the building where the church met in my childhood. I have saved a few of these pictures because it reminds me of the people that shared in the raising I had in the Lord. To me, they are good memories. To others, even others who were raised among those Christians, the sentiment may not be the same. It is that way with people.
In the exchange, I learned that San Antonio had named the building of the Highland Blvd. church of Christ a historic landmark. The criteria that the Commission uses for this citation is for buildings that are “older than 50 years and judged worthy of preservation for their architectural and historical associations.” When it was decided by the commission, they saw the building and its value – but when I see it, I see the people.
Truthfully, God has wanted each of the people who congregate as churches to make a mark in the history of their community. Throughout history, many churches were not in “friendly territory” and for others, that mark would not reflect acclaim and accomplishment. Instead, churches will be historic and a landmark when they publicize the mark God has made in us. To use Paul’s own words, “I bear on my body the marks of Jesus” (Galatians 6:17). What he had in mind was, “as for me, I will never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. The world has been crucified to me through the cross, and I to the world” (15).
What I learned from those “historic landmark” Christians to me, which is what I have learned from Scripture, will indeed make us – a landmark – community – that will bear the marks of Christ.
First, we studied the Bible. If the “church of the living God, [is to be] the pillar and foundation of the truth,” each Christian must be devoted to “the Apostles teaching” (Acts 2:42). Elders must “hold to the faithful message as taught, so that [they] will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and to refute those who contradict it” (Titus 1:9). Deacons must “hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience” (1Timothy 3:9). And evangelists must “preach the word… with great patience and teaching” (2Timothy 4:2) as they “commit to faithful people who will be able to teach others also” (2Timothy 2:2). As I grew up, there were many challenges that led to departures from the Bible way. There is no time when this charge does not apply. But you must study. And you must study one thing – God’s will in Scripture. Today, every generation and every person have the same charge: know the Book of God so you will know who you are in God individually and collectively. It’s no one’s charge if it is not your charge.
Second, we obeyed God. The teaching of obedience cannot be lost in the teaching of grace and mercy. Paul said, “Through him we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the Gentiles” (Romans 1:4). Even Peter charged: “Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be sober-minded and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance” (1Peter 1:13). It’s no one’s charge if it is not your charge.
Third, we loved each other. The 70s were a tough time in America and not everything went right for everyone. It didn’t for me. But I still can reflect on the many expressions of love I had from people of God that bolstered not just my belief in people – but also belief in God. And that is why Jesus said, “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another” (John 13:34-35). No longer is the standard for love merely “to love your neighbor as yourself”, but instead for the Christian, it is to love each other like Christ loved us. It’s no one’s charge if it is not your charge.
Buildings and their architecture will fade or be admitted to the registrar of historic landmarks. I will not lie that it makes my heart happy that this city has beloved the building of my childhood. But what was truly historic in this landmark that really mattered was the people who filled its halls and occupied its pews. Their hearts belonged to the Lord. And that is what will make any church the landmark to which God has called us.