We Are the Church

“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” 1 Corinthians 3:16 (NIV)

In the book All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, author Robert Fulghum contends that the essential principles for living well are often things we first encounter in kindergarten. As one who didn’t attend kindergarten, I cannot speak to the accuracy of his contention, but I do recall the early lessons and songs learned in Sunday School. One song that still resonates with me today is “We Are the Church”.

Refrain:

I am the church!

You are the church!

We are the church together!

All who follow Jesus, all around the world!

Yes, we’re the church together!

Stanza 1:

The church is not a building,

the church is not a steeple,

the church is not a resting place,

The church is a people.

Had this song existed in Paul’s time, and if he had been physically with the church in Corinth instead of writing a letter, I wonder if Paul would have taught them this song, as it speaks beautifully yet simply to his message in 1 Corinthians 3. 

As Paul reminds the Corinthians, we are all God’s temple, bound together by His Spirit dwelling in us. Though we may have differing views on the many things of this world—views that may matter deeply—we are called to find unity in Jesus Christ. It is through Him that we transcend our differences, joining together as one body with one purpose: to reflect His love and grace. The song “We Are the Church” reminds us that the church is not just a collection of individuals, but a vibrant, united community of believers made possible through Christ. Together, we carry His light into the world, not as the same, but as one.

Gracious Lord, thank You for the gift of unity through Your Son, Jesus Christ. In a world that often divides us, help us remember that it is Your Spirit that binds us together as Your church. Teach us to embrace our differences with love, finding common ground in our shared faith and purpose. Guide us to reflect the unity and peace that can only come from You so that we may bring hope and light to the world around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim

The United Methodist Publishing House. (1989). We Are the Church (#558). In The United Methodist Hymnal (p. 558). Nashville, TN: The United Methodist Publishing House.