Shrink To Fit

 “Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before."  Matthew 9:16

Our church has decided to relocate. The fact is, we can no longer meet the financial demands of our building. Our congregation has dwindled over the last few years and the burden of balancing the books has become too much for the staff and board.

We have a positive attitude, even though it will be difficult to leave. A move will bring new possibilities and spark new growth. After all, the Lord himself never stayed in one place very long!

It has got me to thinking however. I read the scripture above during our church meeting yesterday. I was wondering how it will be to move an imperfect body of believers into a new structure. Or more than that, what would happen if a dysfunctional body of believers moved to a new building? I am hoping that this would be the opportunity to face our shortcomings head on and make things better. No church is without some measure of disunity or unresolved issues - ours is certainly no exception. But I know that just moving a family that has some dysfunction will not make it go away, and the dysfunction will still go on.

How important it is to make sure we have gone through the "shrinking" process before we are "sewn" into a new place. It's not the building that will make us fruitful - it's the heart of every individual in the family. The building will house any kind of believers - but effectiveness depends on how we are meshed with each other and with Christ.


Thank God, he makes the process bearable, with grace and mercy available to all who want the fit to be perfect.