Atrophy

While visiting with a friend of mine recently, I asked him about his wife. She is a relatively young 50 year old. However she suffers from osteoporosis. This can be devastating on some women. She is one such case. About 18 months ago she broke her hip. The recovery has been a long and very difficult road. She is currently about 80% healed. This healing has come in plateaus of which the 80% plateau has seemed to take a long time. The other issue she is wrestling with is the issue of muscle atrophy. She has always been a very active person, and to have this issue has been extremely difficult.

Atrophy sets in from a lack of use. I recall being hospitalized for a week many years ago and being astounded how quickly the muscles lose their functionality when not in use. The only way a muscle grows is to use it. The way it becomes stronger is through use. The way it increases flexibility is through use.

How about our spiritual muscles? Are we using them? Are we praying? If not, do we lose our “edge?” Are we reading and studying Scripture? If not are we losing ground?

How about our church? How about any church in their community involvement and engagement? Folks from our church spent most of the 4th at a local community day being visible and supporting the community. We are doing the same at an upcoming Cancer Fund Raiser and awareness event and at another charity event in our area. If we do not practice being “missional” in our community, our muscles in this area begin to atrophy. We lose our “edge,” as it were. We easily forget why we are here. I can name a hundred churches that are now seeking to survive rather than advance into the community. Their muscles have atrophied. Their entire existence is based upon what they want or need instead of those on the outside being welcomed in.

We are not here to serve ourselves. We are here to reach and help others. Everything we think of in relation to the church (prayer, worship, etc.) can be done better in heaven than on earth with the single exception of reaching out to others and providing care for their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Let’s not let our muscles in this arena atrophy or we easily lose our reason for existing as a church. The only way we stave off atrophy is through use. The implications are many.