Building

Jesus used agricultural imagery to demonstrate truths about the Kingdom of God. For instance, in Matthew 13, He uses this analogy:
31 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field,
32 which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches."
33 Another parable He spoke to them: "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened."

In another instance, referred to by a government official the other day, Jesus talked about possessing a small amount of faith, yet being able, through God's power, to move mountains.  He also shared the parable of the sower, in which He describes different types of ground and the effect that ground can have on the growth of God's Word.  And, in Galatians, Paul writes about sowing and reaping.  We can grow in our faith as we plant the seed of God's Word in a heart willing to learn and obey. 

+++++

Recently, a U.S. Cabinet member used Scripture to highlight how we can meet and exceed what he calls "mountainous challenges" that we face in our nation. We find Jesus teaching in Matthew 17:
18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?"
20 So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting."

I am grateful for those, who, during the COVID-19 pandemic, have noted and stood for the essential role of the Church.  When people have needed hope during this time, when there have been needs for food and other supplies, across our nation, we have seen churches stand up and make assistance available.

But, this is not a phenomenon that has occurred just during the pandemic - historically, the Church has been a source, tied to the Source, of help and wholeness.  And, even the Federal government has recently rightly recognized the essential role of the Church in the area of helping to provide homes for people.

Liberty Counsel has called this out on its website, saying:

“The Mustard Seed Series” are virtual events that feature churches that have successfully created affordable housing, reduced homelessness, or used innovative housing models to serve individuals in need. The meetings will serve as a forum for other faith organizations to learn about the experiences of these communities and to replicate the successes they have experienced. The goal with the series is to pair congregations interested in launching a housing outreach program with those already serving vulnerable communities through innovative models across the country.

The website highlighted Grove Community Church in Riverside, California, which, according to Liberty Counsel, "built four single-family homes on its property. As a result of a collaboration between the city and Grove Community Church, four previously homeless families now live in the on-site homes in The Grove Village. Members of the congregation provide supportive services to these families to help get them to a point of self-sufficiency. One day they will move to their own homes and then other families can be served by the church."

This series is an initiative of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and shows how churches can partner with government to bring positive change.  HUD Secretary Dr. Ben Carson said, “In Matthew 17, faith the size of a mustard seed can move a mountain, and we have some mountainous problems in our country, like homelessness and affordable housing that affects millions of Americans. These are the kinds of problems that used to be handled by the faith-based community. And along came the government and decided that it would be the one to handle these problems and the problems have just mushroomed. One of the reasons that the faith-based community is so effective is because they develop personal relationships. And it’s those personal relationships that are likely to change a person."

What an excellent illustration of the Church as a partner - and every community should recognize how local churches and ministries are involved in helping people.  Government should be a resource, not a hindrance or even competitor to the work of God's people. 

The Christian Post, reporting that Grove Community Church was the first church to be spotlighted in the Mustard Seed Series, related a quote:

“Our goal here is we want to bring people on this property who want to be employed,” explained Grove Community Pastor Tom Lance to ABC News at the time.

“We want them to know what it means to be a believer in Christ. We aren't going to force religion down their throat, but the reason this is happening is our people love Riverside.”

Even Riverside Mayor Rusty Bailey was impressed, stating, “This joint effort created new housing for our neighbors without homes while respecting and protecting the integrity of the surrounding neighborhood," adding, "We are excited to share with the nation what can be accomplished when a local government and a faith-based community work together on an issue of vital concern to both.”

The Post article also pointed to other churches across the country which had been involved in providing housing in their communities.  And, of course, there's the incredible work of Habitat for Humanity, which is involved in placing homeowners in affordable housing - they have the buy-in through contributing some of their own funds and also providing "sweat equity" in working to build the home, along with volunteers from the community.

Several takeaways here.  First, the obvious comparison as we go to the teaching of Jesus concerning the mustard seed.  He is certainly not encouraging us to stay in a state of faith suspension, merely possessing a minimum amount of faith; He does want us to grow our faith. But, He reminds us of His power when He illustrates that just a little bit can do incredible wonders.  So, do you have a big "project?"  A seemingly impossible challenge?  Remember, the promises of God and the power of our Savior.

I agree with Dr. Carson, we have some momentous problems in our nation, and rather than find partners and allies to confront the challenges, we look for allies to denigrate our potential partners.  The government is not the enemy of the Church, and I am grateful for those who work in our government to provide so many beneficial services, such as first responders and law enforcement, but too often, you have political leaders who think they are scoring points by restricting the Church.  And, financial resources sometimes come with strings that conflict with a local ministry's mission, which can limit that ministry's effectiveness.  We have to recognize our roles and use our resources responsibly. 

There are opportunities all around us; so we can ask: What can I do?  Where do I start?