Sunday morning-8am- everybody up---let's go... get ready...it's time for "church". We all look so pretty coming in to "worship" on Sunday. We piously sit in the pews, we reverently take the Lord's Supper, we sing in spirit and truth, we listen as someone prays for the Lord's direction and guidance...and then, we're done. (And by the way, all these things are good and neeeded) Then, we hurry out of "church" to make it to lunch. Then sooo many times, at lunch the discussion centers on the preacher going over or not saying what we thought he should, or maybe the choice of the songs...but what happens to God?
We have placed God in a box. We take Him out for the appointed days/hours and make every effort to appease Him. We follow a very set pattern of HOW to worship during that time, but what about the other 165 hours per week? What do we do with God then?
Our table talk should be filled with God; our conversation should be seasoned with His love and grace. Our discussions filled with the things of God and how we are growing spiritually. I should feel ever so comfortable with my brothers and sisters in Christ to ask, "what's God doing in your life?". When in Deuteronomy 6:7 God instructed His people to talk about Him, walk about Him and live their lives in the midst of Him...He knew what He was talking about.
If our children grow up and the only thing they hear about the church is the mistakes of the preacher, the song leader or the elders why would we expect them to remain faithful??? If all they hear of church is the negative, why would they want to stick around to support something so obviously failing?? For that matter, why would the unchurched want to be part? How can we present to them an abundant life when all we talk about are the abundant issues?
The God I serve is BIGGER THAN SUNDAYS! He knows all about our issues, faults and challenges. And yet, He wants us to commit ourselves to Him. He knew the church would be full of sinning people when He chose to die for us. He knew it with the lust filled Corinthian church and the legalistic church of Galatia. And yet...it was worth it to Him. Why? Because God puts love first. He created the church (his people) because He loves us and in return He asked us to LOVE HIM FIRST and commit ourselves to Him daily.
When we focus our hearts, minds, strength and souls on loving Him and on loving HIS creation...that will overflow out of our mouths from our heart. We won't be able to keep God in a Sunday box...He will be my God and I will be His child 24/7 and I will not be able to contain that.
So...make it your focus to love God and to love His church...start talking about what He does for you everyday. Talk about His word and how it works in your life. Ask questions...seek HIM. Start looking for God in your world. He is there and He blesses us COUNTLESS times everyday. He loves HIS church despite all its imperfections, challenges and issues.
You want true worship? Make your life a living sacrifice to God. (Romans 12:1) Transform your mind by filling it with the things of God. Put all your energy into the things of Christ. (Colossians 3) Make everything about Him..."whatever you do, in word or deed, do all in the name of Jesus..." This is the way to truly worship God...by making every moment of our lives about Him.
Great thougths! Maybe if we all committed this to prayer and to God direction we could start living life like you are talking about.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I agree with both, Beautiful picture of yall by the way, I absolutley love it!! What is a positive of our church I was thinking about with all of the negativity about it right now. One thing I came up with is the encouragers in our church, they are always working to encourage everyone and keep it up through the tough times, like you. Also are life groups have created so many good times. Sunday God is bigger as seen through these things and has room to yet still grow.
ReplyDeleteRonna,
ReplyDeleteYou are a joy and the kids know where you and Clay are in your walk. I appreciate so much you giving up your time and hosting the kids at your house to be a Christian family. One of the reasons I started writing is because I wanted to be doing something and look at the work flowing from you to encourage others. It is good to talk about who we are and who we want to be.