We live in a day when the importance of the local church is frequently denied. But Jesus loved the church and gave Himself for it (Ephesians 5:25-27). The New Testament describes the church as the center of Christian fellowship, benevolence, ministry, discipline, training and all missionary work (Acts 2:41-47; 13:1-3; 14:23,27). The Lord, today, still desires every Christian to be involved in a solid, Bible-preaching church. By “solid,” I mean well-grounded and balanced, both doctrinally and practically.
Balance is important. Writing in Leadership magazine, John Stott said, “Balanced Biblical Christianity is a rare phenomenon. It seems to be a characteristic of our fallen minds that we find it easier to grasp half-truths than to grasp the whole truth, and in consequence we become lopsided Christians” (Vol. 9, No. 2). Churches and Christians alike should remain balanced. At the center of all that we do is Jesus Christ. And it is always right to be Christ-centered.
Paul’s ministry was Christ-Centered (1 Corinthians 2:2). “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ...” (Galatians 6:14). Our lives should also be Christ-centered. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith...” (Hebrews 12:2). Keep the main thing the main thing, as the saying goes. Jesus Christ must always remain the main thing to Christians.
This concept is quite similar to a child’s top. As long as the top has momentum and remains centered, it spins. But as soon as it gets off-balance–once it begins to tip just a little to one side–it begins to fall. Likewise, if we lose momentum in serving Christ, or if we begin to get just the tiniest bit off-centered, we, too, wobble and then fall. As a church or individual, when we’re off center, we’re off balance. We must stay centered on Christ.