“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27
The Church is the espoused bride of Christ, which is far more than just an association of believers. It is the Groom’s most prized possession. No mistreatment of the espoused bride, no matter how minor, will go unnoticed. When it comes to the church, we must fear God unto treating it with the utmost respect and honor, lest we incur the wrath of the Lion of Judah.
The church on earth is the body of Christ of which He is the sole Head. “For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones” (Ephesians 5:30). Any malfunction of any one member, immediately affects the whole body and will draw the full attention of the Head. We must think in terms of pleasing the Head in all we do. We owe all the other members our best character, conduct and service in the body, lest we impair their performance: “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another; and so much the more as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25)
The caliber of our service is to have excellence that will redound for the glory of the Lord: “That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:27) Our service in God’s house is not about us, it is to be for God’s glory! “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9) The Old Testament priests, whose service projected Christ, were clothed in garments “for glory and beauty” (Exodus 28:2, 29:40). This was not to advance their own vanity, but to show respect and honor unto the One their office was all about, the God of all glory. “A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if I be a father, where is mine honour? But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, saith the Lord of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen.” (Malachi 1:6a,14) “Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24:24)
“Give of your best to the Master,
Naught else is worthy His love;
He gave Himself for your ransom,
Gave up His glory above.”
