The You-Shaped Hole in the Church

It's been said that there is a God-shaped hole in the heart of every man, a void that can either be filled with God or with sin. But there's another hole that's often overlooked: the you-shaped hole in the church. 

The God-Shaped Hole: A Battle Between Holiness and Sin

The God-shaped hole in our hearts can be filled with God's love or with a variety of sins. As stated in 1 John 2:16, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life are not from the Father but from the world. These temptations can manifest in the following and other ways:

Sexual Sin: A Substitute for Intimacy with God

Throughout history, there has been a direct correlation between idolatry and sexual sin. From the cultures of Corinth and Ephesus to modern times, sexual sin has been rampant.  Spiritual intimacy with Christ and relationship with His Church provides the moral strength to avoid sexual temptations. Those who are worn down by constant work, even in the church, and who lack spiritual intimacy with Christ are subject to alternative forms of intimacy.

Materialism: A Substitute for God's Provision

James 4:1-3 warns us about the dangers of materialism and greed. Without intimacy with Christ, we may move from stewardship to selfishness. It's natural to desire possessions, but the key is to ask for them with the right motives.

Ego/Pride: A Substitute for Humility

Matthew 23:12 teaches that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Without intimacy with Christ, our achievements can become opportunities to glorify ourselves rather than God.

The You-Shaped Hole: Finding Our Place in the Church

While much has been said about the God-shaped hole, the you-shaped hole in the church is very significant. Psalm 68:6 reminds us that God sets the lonely in families and leads out the prisoners with singing.  The you-shaped hole in the Church is where we find our destiny and highest fulfillment on earth as well as the power of being in the Family of God. By connecting and functioning within the Body of Christ, we are better able to avoid the counterfeit spirituality offered by materialism, sexual sin, pride, and other destructive alternatives to the amazing life God has destined for us.

Moving Beyond the Movie-Goer Mentality

If we are not careful, "going to church" can be like going to the movies, We must remove the mindset of merely showing up, watching, and repeating the process each week. Ministry flows out of relationships, and without it, it's just a show. The misapplication of the term "my personal savior" has led to individualism in the church, but there is a place of interconnectivity that enriches our spiritual life. Yes, Jesus is your personal savior, yet when we become part of the Body of Christ, the life and ministry of Jesus out Savior flow to us and among us as a spiritual family.

The Network Effect

Simply stated the network effect means that with increased participation comes increased value. Imagine a world with only a handful of phones.  Phones would have little value.  Because you can pick up a phone and call anywhere in the world instantaneously there is much value to having a phone.  Just like the telephone, the fax machine, and the Internet, the Body of Christ has a network effect. It was established by Jesus Christ right after He rose from the dead. The more the Church grows and the more interactive it is the more effective it is. When you fill the "you-shaped hole" in the Church you are increasing its value and effectiveness to fulfill God's mission.  

The Body of Christ: A Distinctive of Christianity

When we become Christians, we become part of an organism, not just an organization. We must move from an organizational mindset to an organism mindset. The recent increase of public sin and corporate sin in the Church is a direct result of failed functioning of the body, but when the body functions, we all grow in Christ and humbly support one another in our journey toward a godly life.  One thing that separates Christianity from religions is that when we join Jesus we also join a living organism, the Family of God! 

A Call to Commitment

There has never been a time when it is more important to commit to the Body of Christ. This commitment is our pathway out of sin and into true ministry. The you-shaped hole in the church must be filled by you, and by doing so, you will enter into a place of greater effectiveness and ministry.  You will experience the life-giving vibrancy of God's interconnected family. 

Conclusion

The journey toward spiritual fulfillment involves recognizing and filling both the God-shaped and you-shaped holes in our lives. By seeking intimacy with Christ and actively participating in the Body of Christ, we can find our true destiny and highest fulfillment. Let us ensure that we, and those around us, are filling the holes that God has created for us in His Body. In doing so, we will find our place of greater effectiveness and ministry.