‘ see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven.’ Matthew 5:16

In the UK the Church of England is forever wringing it’s hands over the issue of empty churches. The debate has raged on for years as to how to bring congregations back to church services and why the youth of today no longer find organized religion relevant. As often as not the clergy have come up with the most ridiculous ‘ one off stunts’ or questionable initiatives that lead in the case of City Harvest to a foray into the world of popular music which led onto something much more damaging and potentially fatal to the church. So why does Christ allow so many of his houses to remain empty ? I think the answer is very simple it’s because we are not filling them in a way that he wants to bless.

Look at England we have thousands of homeless and destitute people who sleep in the parks and streets with no where to lay their heads at night. Around the world there are refugees and poor people who are perfectly prepared to work and find the dignity that comes with supporting a family. But have no where to go , no equipment to use. Ever wondered why Mother Theresa’s sisters of mercy were so blessed ? The gospels are very clear ‘ see your good deeds’, ‘ treat your neighbour like yourself’ ‘ bye their fruits will you know them’. Yes Christianity is about praise and worship but it is also about action and involvement. It doesn’t end with the weekly collection we need to ask is the money we give to Christ made actively productive ? Are we utilizing our church to its fullest in order to spread the word of Christ. The most powerful advocate and expression of our faith is to let the world ‘ see good works.’

A child sent to school or an empty church which do you think our Lord would prefer?