Strictly speaking, a portal is a grand doorway, entrance, or gate. Images come to mind of that “city four-square” with its pearly gates ever-opened to receive the righteous (Rev. 21:16, 21, 25). Recently, our attention has been drawn to the world of athletic competition where we read about players transitioning to new teams with relative ease by entering into what is called “the portal.” While a team may rapidly improve by means of using the portal, there is a corresponding sense of injustice toward a loyal team member who, after two or three years of hard work, is suddenly displaced from the starting line-up.

Every Christian is a member of the body of Christ (Acts 2:47; Eph. 1:22-23). While we are part of the universal church, each Christian must identify with a local congregation and work under the oversight of its shepherds. A ready-made portal system exists among congregations worshiping in close proximity to one another. A member of one congregation may choose to identify with another congregation. But, there are several important considerations to keep in mind: (1) Sin does not go away merely because there has been a change of location. Whenever possible, forgiveness must be sought from those against whom we have sinned (Mt. 5:23-24). (2) Commitment to non-commitment is not a reason to change location. Failure to fully-engage in the work of the Lord is a sin (1 Cor. 15:58). (3) God places us in Christ’s body so that we might be equipped for works “of service, to the building up of the body of Christ” (1 Cor. 12:18; Eph. 4:12). Entering the portal because we don’t get our way demonstrates immaturity or, even, rebellion.

Any congregation whose focus is on the portal – either for gaining strength or to prevent members from leaving – has lost sight of its mission. We are here to seek and save the lost – to help those in need – and to build one another up in the faith. In the end, we want to help as many as possible enter that shining portal into heaven’s glory.

— Glen Elliott —