"THE CRITICAL DIFFERENCE"

   "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and Falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice  and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecute the prophets who were before you.

                                                                    MATTHEW 5: 11-12

     It was built for an international exposition in the last century and called "monstrous" by both critics and citizens. They loudly demamded the structure be torn down as soo. As the 1889 expisition closed. Yet from the moment its architect first conceived the structure, was destined for greatness.

      Today it stands as one of the architectural wonders of the modern world. It has become the primary landmark of Paris, France. The architect, of course, was Alexander Gustave Eiffel. His famous structure? The Eiffel Tower.

      Jesus Christ was loyal to another Structure--- the Church. He entrusted the building of the Church to an unlikely band of disciple, whom He defended, prayed for, and prepared to take the Gospel to the far- reaching corners of the world. To outsiders, the disciple of Jesus probably had a reputation as ignorant, politically weak, religiously untrained, disorganized, and in moments, blundering idiots. But Jesus, the architect of the Church, knew His structure was destined for greatness.

     Being a Christian has never been politically correct." Critics through the years have compiled a list of derigatory names to call the Church and its members. In spite of criticism, however, we are instructed to carry on. We are to persist in building the body of Christ until His return. As we build, we can be assured see will please God and He will bless us.

     The famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius once consoled a young musician who had received a bad review by saying, "Remember, son, there is no city in the world where they have errected a statue to a critic."

     Jesus said,  I will build my church; and the gates of hell will not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). One day the Church will be the ones left standing. What will the critics say then? 

        No matter what comes your way today, be proud you are a member of Jesus' Church!