A fly on the wall watching the comings and goings in our church could not help but be impressed by the number and variety of activities in which we participate. From the outside we appear to be a caring, active, self-governing community. We provide activities for our youth. Out of compassion we extend aid to our surrounding community and world. We gather for fellowship, and we provide opportunities for spiritual education to all. And one day a week, all who are able flock to the church to attend one of our grand gatherings of celebration and worship, complete with singing, stories, and lessons. But there are countless non-Christian communities that engage in these same activities and might look pretty similar through the eyes of a fly. How are we different? What is the driving vision behind our fellowship, outreach, education, and worship? And even if we have a different motive, if we engage in similar activities, how can our results be much different?

I think the answer to the first two questions can be summed up in one word: salvation. Our church is in the business of saving souls. Every penny we spend and every casserole we bake ought to be dedicated to that single goal. Whether we are shoring up the faith of a mature believer, feeding the hungry heart of a new believer, or inviting a non-believer to put God's Word to the test, we should be seeking to ensure that as many as possible repent of their sins and claim their salvation through our Savior's sacrifice.

Does this motive make any difference in the outcome? Without question. Were we to aid the sick and infirm strictly for humanitarian reasons, or educate our youth simply to improve their outlook on life, we could end up improving our charges' earthly lives but leaving them destined for damnation. Of what value is human life without God first declaring it valuable? Humanity can (and does) declare itself valuable, but from where do we draw our authority to assign value? Ourselves? That is circular reasoning: something of unknown value (humanity) declares itself valuable and thereby claims authority to confer value. God gives our lives meaning, purpose, and yes, value. He asks that we strive to behave ourselves and recognize His ultimate demonstration of His love for us. In return we are promised an eternity in His presence without death, mourning, crying, or pain. Can there be a loftier goal for any person? Can there then be any nobler motivation for a church than to encourage people to seek their highest goal?

This great ship is sinking (Mt. 24:35, Rev. 21:1) and we are its stewards. We have each already been promised a place in a lifeboat (Jn. 14:2-3), and each must someday go take his or her place. Until then the Captain has commanded that we notify all passengers. So we tenderly urge the sick and injured to reserve a spot on the lifeboat. We also argue with, cajole, and implore the healthy to do likewise. We do so because we know that there will come a time when all of the lifeboats will be away, and no more can be saved (Mt. 49-50).

"Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." (Mk. 16:15-16)