The Church is the Bride of Christ
- Thad and Amanda Randolph
- Sep 2
- 2 min read
Be Careful How You Build
In recent days, social media has been buzzing with conversations about leadership changes at a prominent church in Florida. Whenever a transition like this happens publicly, emotions run high, opinions spill over, and the church body feels the weight of uncertainty. We must all remember that the Church does not belong to men or women—it belongs to God, for Christ is the true foundation.
Scripture calls us back to an eternal perspective:
“According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”—1 Corinthians 3:10–11
1. The True Foundation
Paul reminds us that Christ—not any one pastor, leader, or personality—is the foundation of the Church. Leaders come and go. Some plant, others water, but God alone gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6). When our hope is anchored in Christ, we remain steady even when leadership shifts.
2. Be Careful What You Build
Paul also warns us to “take care how we build.” That means our contributions to the Church—whether words, actions, or attitudes—must be rooted in truth, love, and holiness. We must ask:
Am I building up unity or sowing division?
Am I spreading speculation or offering intercession?
Am I glorifying Christ or amplifying human voices?
What we build will one day be tested. Works done in pride, gossip, or strife will not last. But works built on faith, hope, and love will stand the test of fire (1 Corinthians 3:12–13).
3. Guarding Our Words and Witness
James 3:1 reminds us that leaders are judged more strictly—but the rest of us are not off the hook. Ephesians 4:29 exhorts us: “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.” In an age where every opinion can be broadcast instantly, the Church has an opportunity to shine by speaking differently: not as critics, but as Christ-followers who build with care.
4. The Call to Faithfulness
At the end of the day, the Church belongs to Jesus. He is the Bridegroom, and we are His Bride (Ephesians 5:25–27). He alone holds the Church in His hands. Leaders are stewards for a season, but Christ remains the Head forever (Colossians 1:18).
Personal Reflection Questions:
Am I contributing to unity or division in the Body of Christ with my words and actions?
What “materials” am I using to build—wood, hay, and straw, or gold, silver, and precious stones?
Prayer: Lord, help me to remember that You are the true foundation of the Church and the Church is Your bride. Your Church will be presented to you without spot and blemish. Holy Spirit, keep my heart steady in the midst of things, attitudes, and behaviors that don't seemingly line up with your word. Help me keep my thoughts and mouth pure when emotions rise. Teach me to build with wisdom, love, and integrity so that what I contribute will last for eternity. Amen.
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