I don't like...
I recently went to a church service that, honestly, I didn’t like. It was very traditional in the pipe organ, liturgical, stained-glass, suit and tie sense… and I’m one of those contemporary church goers, in the guitar and power-point, flip-flops, shorts and t-shirt sense. I sat through the entire service, having flashbacks to my Episcopal private school days, scrutinizing every last detail of the service. The longer I sat there, the more I began realizing how many times I’ve heard (and spoken) the words “I don’t like…” in regards to worship services. “I don’t like…” as if my opinion matters.
“I don’t like…” The whole phrase started rubbing on me in a bad way. So, I found a more relevant question: “What part of that service did Jesus not like and why?” The answer astounded me.
...He didn’t like the fact that I came for the pastor, the music or the setting. He didn’t like that I paid more attention to the beautiful church than I paid to Him -- that I came not to meet with God, but I came to find a place that matched my personal preferences. He didn’t like the fact that flip-flops were a part of my church selection decision. Man, I need to get over myself.
“I don’t like…” The whole phrase started rubbing on me in a bad way. So, I found a more relevant question: “What part of that service did Jesus not like and why?” The answer astounded me.
...He didn’t like the fact that I came for the pastor, the music or the setting. He didn’t like that I paid more attention to the beautiful church than I paid to Him -- that I came not to meet with God, but I came to find a place that matched my personal preferences. He didn’t like the fact that flip-flops were a part of my church selection decision. Man, I need to get over myself.
posted by Brad at 12:24 AM
3 Comments:
Howdy Brad! An interesting thought that you have shared...I reflect on my own experiences at my church; the countless times, I've been distracted during the readings or the Homily. The numerous times I've flipped through the massalette as if it were a script rather than focusing on Scripture. Wandering thoughts of things to be done for the upcoming week at work, when I should be focused on what I can do to live His words.
Brad,
Thanks for your honesty. Yes, I agree that the focus of why we go to church needs to be on Jesus, BUT - a big BUT, the other things do matter. Consider the way that you are most apt to focus on Jesus: Does some music bring you closer to Jesus, does some music draws you away. How about the sermon - is the pastor bragging on himself/family or is the true word of Jesus taught. Then what about the congregants ages - can you relate to them in your walk with Jesus. Honestly, some churches are dead and Jesus is not there, just entertainment, concerns of how many attend, who can give the most money, no thought to people in need, exp. christian support groups and groups to encompass all the ages with the focus on Jesus Christ. I look to a church that's centered on Jesus Christ and His teachings and does not focus on how much entertainment and money they want to bring in.
Thank you for your comments -- whoever you are! I totally agree with everything you said. Preferences are important. I kinda look at it the same way I look at food: some food tastes better to others, some looks better, smells better, etc. As long as the food you're eating is healthy – which is what is most important. Everything else is personal preference. I agree on that point. I guess I feel like sometimes our preferences not only take our focus off God, but they can also lead us to ignore God's will. Take Paul for example, his preference would have been to minister to the Jews -- but God sent him to the gentiles, Peter would have been more comfortable with the gentiles, yet he was sent to start the church among the Jews. Timothy, who was any age from 14 to 20 years old as the pastor at Ephesus would have rather, I’m sure, shepherd kids his age rather than grown men and women. I'm afraid comfort may sometimes not be a good thing, if it leads to complacency or lack of dependence on God for your ministry. Thanks for your comments!
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