The church is the treasured possession of none less than Jesus Christ himself, who is enthroned in glory at God’s right hand. Though our eyes may see people labouring in the church (for example, office-bearers), the church is simply not a human project. So in our discussions about the church, we do well to focus more on Christ’s labours than on people’s labours. That is the more so because people’s labours are always imperfect, weak, and open to criticism. Further, the church remains today under construction (1 Peter 2:5), and so we cannot expect her to be perfect, yet the church already shows some of the beauty that the completed project will possess.
The brokenness we see in the church today leads to abundant disparaging talk about the church. Given how the Lord treasures the church—his Bride!—there simply is no place for disparaging talk concerning the church. Though we may be honest about the weaknesses that be (as Jesus was, Revelation 2:1 – 3:22), our formulations about the church need to be measured and reflect her identity as his.
15 And the one who spoke with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls.