What kind of church would my church be if all its members were just like me?
Stop and think about it. What would your congregation be like if everyone were just like you? What would be done better? What would go undone? What would the worship be like? How about the evangelism? Would the poor be helped or would needs go unmet?
I have to admit that asking myself these questions makes me look at a lot of things in me. I see so many things that I could be and should be, but I’m not. It’s tempting for me to focus on your shortcomings and your failures, but in the end, it’s mine that I need to worry about.
So here are a few things that I plan to try and do to make our church a better place
- Focus first on visitors and newcomers. There will be time later to talk to friends, to work out church business, and to do whatever I need to with our members. First I’ll try and speak to those who are new or those who are in need.
- Worship and let worship. I will worship God to the best of my ability without worrying about what you are doing or about what you think about what I’m doing.
- Focus on what matters. One of my glaring faults is an ability to be bothered by unimportant things. (OK, I can be a control freak.) So I’m going to try and recognize that my way is not the only way. I won’t “sweat the petty things.” I’ll try and focus on eternal things, not just the things I can see around me.
- Look for the good of the body, not my individual “rights.” Society says that we have certain basic rights that we need to stand up for. Jesus says that I need to spend my time protecting the rights and interests of others.
So how about you? What do you need to change? I hope that you’ll be brave enough to face up to whatever it is and do what it takes to improve in that area.
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
“What kind of church would my church be if all its members were just like me?”
Well first we need to admit there is no “my church” and “your church” there is only “Christ’s Church” and he will give gifts as he wants to, and to whom he wants. If we were able to do the whole thing on our own we wouldn’t need the help of others, do what you are good at doing, don’t spread your talent so thin, you are good a nothing.
I believe that is one of the things that cause friction within the congregations, to few people who think they have to do it all, else it won’t be done. and others who say “what is left for me to do”? I do believe brother Paul addressed this very problem when he said ” brother hand, brother foot, and brother mouth, are all needed to make up the body. how do we know that brother foot is not doing a good job, I have learned over the years, that if brother mouth will speak kindly of brother foot, he will do a good job.
“What kind of church would my church be if all its members were just like me?”
Not very efficient, and not nearly as effective.
good stuff, Tim.
That puts a little different perspective to it. I do like your suggestions, though.
Outch! God seems to be trying to get my attention with this post.
Thanks, everyone, for the comments.
And Robin… welcome to The Kitchen!!