As a church we must love Jesus, or else we have lost our reason for existence.
This quote emphasizes the fundamental essence of Christianity, which is a deep love and devotion to Jesus Christ. The statement suggests that the main purpose of any church is to cultivate and nurture this love for Jesus among its members. If a church fails in this primary duty, it loses its raison d’etre – its reason for existence.
The phrase “we must love Jesus” implies an active, ongoing commitment rather than a passive acceptance. It’s not just about professing faith in Jesus but about demonstrating that faith through actions that reflect his teachings – such as compassion, forgiveness, selflessness and love for all humanity.
The second part of the quote “or else we have lost our reason for existence” underscores how crucial this love for Jesus is within the context of Christian worship. Without it, according to Spurgeon’s perspective, a church would be devoid of meaning or purpose.
Applying this idea in today’s world can be seen at both communal and individual levels. For churches or Christian organizations, it serves as a reminder to focus on fostering genuine spirituality grounded in Christ’s teachings rather than getting caught up with peripheral issues like institutional politics or material prosperity.
On an individual level too, one could interpret this quote as an encouragement to continuously strive towards embodying Christ-like virtues in their everyday life. In terms of personal development then, loving Jesus translates into becoming more compassionate towards others; being forgiving; standing up against injustice; helping those less fortunate; and generally trying to make the world around us better – essentially practicing what Christianity preaches.
Thus while on surface level Spurgeon’s quote may seem specific to Christian institutions alone; when probed deeper it reveals itself as universal advice applicable across different spheres – from religious establishments trying to stay true to their mission amidst changing times; individuals seeking personal growth through spiritual means; even secular organizations aiming at creating positive impact – all can find relevance by replacing ‘love for Jesus’ with their core value/mission and ensuring it remains at the heart of their existence.
