Lately I have been studying a lot about what church should look and feel like. I've been reading a lot of books and blog entries from people who have a certain view and I find one reoccurring trait that is having a hard time taking hold. Summed up in a word, it's selflessness. Being part of a nation that makes you believe you can be who and what you want to be, only encourages us to take that same mindset into church. There are three words that don't belong in church if used in a selfish manner.
1. Disdain:
1. to look upon or treat with contempt; despise; scorn.
2. To think unworthy of notice, response, etc.; consider beneath oneself:
“to disdain replying to an insult.”
To think of anyone or any particular issue with disdain is to put yourself in a place of control above it and its relevance. Followers of Christ are to lead by example and doing so makes you no better than anyone else. When has contempt, despise or scorn ever fit into what Christ calls you to be or how he wants you to treat others? This sort of feeling arises from the individual arrogance that “I am who the church is serving and they had better realize that, for my sake.”
Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
2. Offended:1. to irritate, annoy, or anger; cause resentful displeasure in:
“Even the hint of prejudice offends me.”
2. to affect (the sense, taste, etc.) disagreeably.
3. to violate or transgress (a criminal, religious, or moral law).
4. to cause resentful displeasure; irritate, annoy, or anger:
“a remark so thoughtless it can only offend.”
Let me first say, that if something in church could be considered offensive, someone should bring it to the attention of the leadership team in a reasonable manner. The problem with this word though, is that it is used far too often as an avenue to create change, show influence or create a position within a group of people. The issue, however, isn't about something being offensive, but whether or not it is used as an opportunity to “be someone”. More often than not, someones threshold for being offended by something is in direct relation to their original intentions for being involved with a church group. If you come to church to be served or gain something for yourself, don't be surprised when you are angry or upset, because you are not being served in the way you think you should. This mindset was never Christs intention for the church or the people who attend it.
Proverbs 18:1-2 An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment. A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.
3. Apathy:1. absence or suppression of passion, emotion, or excitement.
2. lack of interest in or concern for things that others find moving or exciting.
Church needs to be a place of excitement and movement! If you lack that or despise that, it's is time to check out of church and into a hospice. It says in
1 Corinthians 3:16 - “Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?” Back in the times of the Old Testament, the temple was where people went to see God, it was a physical manifestation of God on this earth. In this passage, Paul is saying we are to be that temple. Is your church/temple full of apathetic people? If so, is that what you want people to see God as when they come to your church?
It's time to stop being selfish and thinking about ourselves, but to realize true joy comes from serving together, as a community, built to show God's love. It's not about us and I hope you can stand with me in saying, I'm willing to sacrifice my own desires and ideals to see Gods kingdom glorified and the world we live in impacted daily.
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