WEEK 4 DAY 5
The Cross-Shaped Community
Devotional
The cross isn't just for individuals—it's meant to shape entire communities. When a church embraces the mindset of the cross, something extraordinary happens: it transforms from a club with membership perks into a movement with kingdom mission.
Many churches today are struggling because they've lost this cruciform perspective. They've become consumed with preferences, programs, and personalities rather than purpose. Members come asking "What can I get?" rather than "How can I give?" When disappointment inevitably comes, they leave for the next church that promises to meet their needs.
But a cross-shaped community operates differently. It's filled with people who contribute rather than consume, who give rather than gather, who sacrifice rather than serve themselves. Conflicts are resolved through humility and forgiveness rather than power plays and division. Resources are stewarded generously rather than hoarded fearfully.
Imagine a church where everyone has the mindset of Christ—where no one is fighting for position or preference, where everyone is looking for ways to serve rather than be served, where the focus is consistently outward rather than inward. This kind of community becomes a powerful witness to a watching world.
Today, consider how you can help create this kind of cross-shaped community. How can you shift from consumer to contributor in your church? How can you model forgiveness rather than holding grudges? How can you give generously rather than gathering for yourself?
Bible Verse
"The glory of the LORD departed from over the threshold of the temple and stopped above the cherubim." - Ezekiel 10:18
Reflection Question
In what specific ways might you be approaching church with a consumer mindset rather than a contributor mindset, and what one change could you make this week to shift toward a more cross-centered approach to community?
Quote
The mindset of the cross must be the dominant culture of the church or we will become a club with membership perks, not a kingdom advancing Christ's mission.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, forgive us for the ways we've turned Your church into a consumer experience rather than a cruciform community. Help us to embody the mindset of the cross in how we relate to one another, resolve conflicts, and pursue mission together. Make our church a place where Your self-giving love is so evident that the world can't help but take notice. Begin with me—show me how to contribute, forgive, and give in ways that reflect Your cross. Amen.
The cross isn't just for individuals—it's meant to shape entire communities. When a church embraces the mindset of the cross, something extraordinary happens: it transforms from a club with membership perks into a movement with kingdom mission.
Many churches today are struggling because they've lost this cruciform perspective. They've become consumed with preferences, programs, and personalities rather than purpose. Members come asking "What can I get?" rather than "How can I give?" When disappointment inevitably comes, they leave for the next church that promises to meet their needs.
But a cross-shaped community operates differently. It's filled with people who contribute rather than consume, who give rather than gather, who sacrifice rather than serve themselves. Conflicts are resolved through humility and forgiveness rather than power plays and division. Resources are stewarded generously rather than hoarded fearfully.
Imagine a church where everyone has the mindset of Christ—where no one is fighting for position or preference, where everyone is looking for ways to serve rather than be served, where the focus is consistently outward rather than inward. This kind of community becomes a powerful witness to a watching world.
Today, consider how you can help create this kind of cross-shaped community. How can you shift from consumer to contributor in your church? How can you model forgiveness rather than holding grudges? How can you give generously rather than gathering for yourself?
Bible Verse
"The glory of the LORD departed from over the threshold of the temple and stopped above the cherubim." - Ezekiel 10:18
Reflection Question
In what specific ways might you be approaching church with a consumer mindset rather than a contributor mindset, and what one change could you make this week to shift toward a more cross-centered approach to community?
Quote
The mindset of the cross must be the dominant culture of the church or we will become a club with membership perks, not a kingdom advancing Christ's mission.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, forgive us for the ways we've turned Your church into a consumer experience rather than a cruciform community. Help us to embody the mindset of the cross in how we relate to one another, resolve conflicts, and pursue mission together. Make our church a place where Your self-giving love is so evident that the world can't help but take notice. Begin with me—show me how to contribute, forgive, and give in ways that reflect Your cross. Amen.