Institutional impatience and distrust are fashionable.

It seems to be popular to look suspiciously upon government bodies and corporate headquarters.

But impatience with the Church is as old as the Church. And yes, the voice of protest is sometimes needed, but it should always maintain the posture of patient love.

We must be patient with the worldwide Church and her local assemblies.

I’ve been around long enough to tell you the painful truth. No local church is entirely what it ought to be!

No church of any denomination, non-denominational, or independent representation has perfected our faith in practice. Yet, we have a habit of seeking perfection from the local church and its ministry leaders.

At the same time, we often overlook the fact that God builds His Church out of the same fallible human clay as ourselves. Sadly, the Church has many pretenders not leading sanctified lives! But we suffer long with them and encourage their growth in Christ and His Word.

How can we be patient with God’s Church?

We’ve got to remember the Church is still being built by Jesus Christ, and we’re all held accountable by Him.

And what She is today is not what She shall be! We shall be changed!

Ephesians 5 tells us that Christ “loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish” (25b-27).

The Holy Spirit is still preparing the Bride of Christ. He is removing spots and smoothing out wrinkles. One day, every blemish will be gone.

And, “we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:51c-53).

But, no one in the Church is exempted from the need to grow in patience.

No, not one.

What does the Bible say about your need to grow in patience?

Try this as a starter kit.

Jesus says, “By your patience, possess your souls” (Luke 21:19).

The Spirit says, “The testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:3-4).

And let us not forget that patience is a fruit of the Spirit. Friend, you need His ongoing character development.

So, start trying this word of encouragement. Demonstrate as much gracious patience with your local church as you do yourself and your shortcomings.