Do we inspire?

The Methodist Church in Markfield has a walking group, made up mainly of church members who enjoy walking together.  Every month or so the group organises a walk somewhere in Leicestershire.  It is generally a fairly easy paced walk; the main aim is to enjoy the countryside and each other's company, rather than racing from A to B.  Some years ago the group decided that they would walk the Leicestershire Round walk in small stages.  It so happened that the very final leg of their journey was scheduled for earlier today, and Sue and I were delighted to be able to join the walkers on this occasion.

The final leg of their 'marathon' journey was the relatively short stretch from Shackerstone to Nailstone.  After a wet early part of the week, today turned out to be almost ideal for walking: clear, dry and warm but not too hot.  There were a few parts of the walk where the recent heavy rain had made the going underfoot very muddy, but on the whole the route was reasonably straightforward.  It was good to spend a few hours with friends in the Leicestershire countryside (ending, of course, with the obligatory - and very enjoyable - pub meal!)

On the latter part of our journey, we were crossing a field when we spotted, in the distance, the spire of the parish church of All Saints, Nailstone.  The spire can probably be seen for several miles around (for a great view see HERE).  Apparently the church dates back to the 14th century.  As we crossed the field towards the church, in my mind I tried to imagine how awe-inspiring the sight of that tower and spire must have been to the local inhabitants when it first rose into the sky. 

Perhaps in some way this great sight acted as a magnet, drawing people to worship.  The idea in the minds of many of the architects of early church building was to encourage churchgoers to recognise the awesomeness of God, and to inspire them to worship.  As I pondered on these thoughts, the question came into my mind as to what it is that inspires people in similar ways today.

Many of the old church buildings still survive today, of course, but people are no longer in awe of the height of church buildings because we now have so many much larger buildings in existence.  Yes, some church buildings are still awe-inspiring in their own way, and some still seem to hold that sense of the presence of God.  But it is important to remember that when the word 'church' is used in the New Testament it refers not to buildings but to people.

So what should inspire people and draw them towards God?  It seems to me that what Jesus desires for all those who follow him is that each one of us might be so filled with his Spirit of love, and so moulded and shaped in Jesus' own nature and character, that we might be an inspiration to others and help to draw them to God.  In the words of Jesus: 'You should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and will praise your Father in heaven.'  And that is a great challenge for all who claim to follow him!