Doing Church - God's Way or Yours?
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I should be doing something else right now, but my procrastination (and consequently this post) may give you something to think about...
My husband and I attended a youth service last night and felt totally disconnected. Was it our age? Maybe, but there were quite a few other oldies who seemed to be enjoying themselves. Was it the loud, lively music to songs we didn't know? Maybe, but no one else seemed to be singing them either with confidence and gusto. Was it the lyrics? Well, they did seem rather focused on self and the little word "I". What about the prayers? I don't think so. Prayers are good, although these seemed a little repetitive, and I noticed that people were yawning and fidgeting. Then it must have been the message? Maybe it was supposed to instil awe at God's awesomeness, but somehow it didn't seem to succeed. I am tempted to ask...
Where can I find churches that have great hearts instead of big budgets; who render service instead of requesting money; who experience God's presence instead of record-breaking attendances? And where are those who are shining examples instead of seeking great hype? Where are the churches whose members do things quietly, instead of talking loudly? And those who show off beautiful lives instead of beautiful clothes? Where are the preachers who love the truth rather than watering it down to be more politically correct, seeker sensitive or culturally relevant? God surely knows His faithful servants - and indeed I know some of them myself - but I would dearly love to see more in our churches!
Please don't misunderstand me. I am not judging others or looking down on them. I am simply frustrated with apathy on the one hand, and false hype on the other. Not only that, but I am yearning for Christians to be real and truly spiritual in their understanding and actions, and for them to be truly interested in and caring for one another. Is that too much to ask? How can we draw others to Christ if they can't see Christ in us?
Where can I find churches that have great hearts instead of big budgets; who render service instead of requesting money; who experience God's presence instead of record-breaking attendances? And where are those who are shining examples instead of seeking great hype? Where are the churches whose members do things quietly, instead of talking loudly? And those who show off beautiful lives instead of beautiful clothes? Where are the preachers who love the truth rather than watering it down to be more politically correct, seeker sensitive or culturally relevant? God surely knows His faithful servants - and indeed I know some of them myself - but I would dearly love to see more in our churches!
Please don't misunderstand me. I am not judging others or looking down on them. I am simply frustrated with apathy on the one hand, and false hype on the other. Not only that, but I am yearning for Christians to be real and truly spiritual in their understanding and actions, and for them to be truly interested in and caring for one another. Is that too much to ask? How can we draw others to Christ if they can't see Christ in us?