Esprit de corps

       The title of this essay is defined as, a spirit of devotion and enthusiasm among members of a group toward one another, their group and its purposes.  Could there be a more suitable term to describe the Biblical picture of the church of the living God?  While the ideal (God’s intent) may be un-debatable, the question for us is, “DO WE HAVE IT?” and, if so, how is such discerned?  Esprit de corps can be gauged by a host of “little things”:  sacrificial offerings;  Sunday school attendance;  broad smiles & firm handshakes;  deep affection for the body of Christ;  midweek bible group;  work parties;  volunteer custodial assignments;  picnic turnouts;  youth involvement;  zestful singing; cards mailed to shut-ins;  etc..  In the big scheme of things, it’s these little things  that register the pulse of the local church.

       The historical notes concerning the first-century church reveal that they indeed possessed a robust esprit de corps.  One cannot read Acts 2:42-27 and rightly conclude otherwise.  Perhaps an absence of esprit de corps is what’s hurting the church of century twenty-one.

There was something about first-century Christianity that was contagious and infectious (in a good way).  It contributed to their ability to be united in mind, love, spirit and purpose (Phlip.2:2) and in so doing to turn their world upside down for Christ (Acts 17:6).  A tepid or half-hearted faith is a disposition that is unlikely to capture anyone’s attention, much less convert the world to the cause of Christ. 

       So here’s the test - - “what if everybody in the church behaved like ME?”.  How spirited would our singing be (remember now, even untrained voices can make “a joyful noise unto the Lord” / Ps.66:1)?  How overflowing would be our weekly offerings (2Cor.8:2)?  How determined would be our service (Eccl.9:10 & Col.3:23)?  Concerning matters of faith, loyalty & devotion, how strong would our  church family be IF OTHERS WERE JUST LIKE ME?  The encouraging aspect to this study is this - - with God being our Helper, each one of us has the power to change.  If we all take this admonition to heart, what a church we can become … to the glory of God (Eph.3:21)!  

                                                                                                                Terry Siverd / Cortland Church Of Christ