A CHURCH OF NOBLE CHARACTER

Sorry, this isn't going to be funny, but I thought it was still worthwhile writing. Besides I am having a hard time laughing at the moment because the thermostat is broken and it is 12 degrees inside my appartment. I think hypothermia might set in soon.

I was checking out biblegateway.com the other day. I am often on that site because it has full versions of several translations you can view and it is helpful for me to better understand the meaning of some passages of Scripture. This time I was looking up Proverbs 31:10-31, the "Wife of Noble Character". I have done quite a bit of commentary reading on this passage in the past with each one expressing a very different opinion. The commentary on this website really caught my attention and made me think. Here is an exerpt:

"This passage is to be applied to individuals, but may it not also be applied to the church of God, which is described as a virtuous spouse? God by his grace has formed from among sinful men a church of true believers, to possess all the excellences here described."

Does or has the church ever fit this description. Personally, I don't think so.
As I read through it again, this time with the bride of Christ in mind I was a little discouraged. I think we have failed in many areas.
I really wonder if Christ has full confidence in his bride?
Have we brought Him good and not harm?
Are we prepared for God's work for us?
Are we wiling to do his work with all our heart and strength?
Do we take care of the needs within the family of saints?
Is wisdom and faithful instruction on our tongue?

Anyway you get the idea. What do you think? I don't like to be a negative nancy, but as someone from a family of non-believers I here alot about what the church is doing wrong, and so my view of the church is often more negative than positive.

But what if the church really fit this description? This question now is a main focus of my prayers. Can you imagine the difference it would make in the world?