Out of the Box | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Out of the Box | Previous Challenge Entry
By Kori Philipp
12/13/07
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The Church “Out of the Box”

Driving down an old country road in the southern part of Tennessee I heard my youngest child shout all the way from the back seat of our van, mommy what is that? He was pointing out the window to a white steeple that peered just above a cluster of tall pines. That’s a steeple, I said. What’s that he asked, as any 3 year old would do over and over again until they find an acceptable answer or have worn you out by asking, which ever comes first. I said that is what sits on top of a church building. It points to the sky, like it’s pointing up to God. Mommy, yes Charlie? What’s a church? Somehow I knew that question was coming. I was preparing for either what’s a church or where’s God? I felt relieved at first that he asked about the church. At his age, how do you explain where God is? But then again, how was I going to explain the church?

As we continued to drive down the road I realized that I had only a few seconds to form my answer before his request would be repeated. How do I describe the church to a three year old I wondered? Yes, it is a building where worship services are held, people meet to serve and other things happen, but if I tell him all of that then I’m sure his next question would be, what is worship?

Slowly I began to give him this answer. Charlie, do you remember the game we play with Mr. Potato Head? I like that, Charlie said. Me too, I agreed. Well the church is kind of like Mr. Potato Head Charlie. There’s one head but then there are different parts, like a nose and ears and eyes and lips and all of those parts that make the face. Do you remember what we do with each part Charlie? Yep, he said. We put them in the head. That’s right, all of those parts have their own special place in the head and all together they make Mr. Potato Head.

Do you know some other kids that have a Mr. Potato Head too Charlie? Yep, Jacob has one and Rachel and…

Well, churches are a lot like that Charlie, I said. There are many church buildings in different places. Some have steeples and some don’t. A church is not just a building but the church is lots of people working together to make sure everybody knows who God is and how much He loves us. God is the head of the church.

He thought for a minute and then he said Mommy? Yes Charlie, I said. When we get home, can I let God out of the box? After I chuckled I said, sure Charlie. Then I thought to myself wow, wouldn’t it be great if we did that?

Prayer: God please help us to see who you really are and not just who we want you to be. Help us to see the boundless love that you have for each one of us. Teach us to be one body, the church, with many parts working together for your glory. Amen

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