Very few times do I ever BLOG something that includes other people. I pretty much look and point at myself and begin to type. I’ve been thinking again. This time it might produce something for all of us to think about. I’ve been taking a look at why people get upset at churches for some of the silliest stuff. I think some of the blame can be passed to the church for making an attempt to sell or defend Jesus.
When I say “church” I know I’m generalizing. I’m sure not every church is included with what I’m about ready to write about. It is sad that the majority church thinking consumes the minority church thinking that could be good and inspiring.
Can we agree that over the years church has become much commercialized? I mean the church tries to set itself up to giving service with a smile. Then the focus becomes all about the need and the message that you will be 100% satisfied or your money back. The problem comes that when the person or family is not 100% satisfied. This possibly occurs when they didn’t get the same service with a smile that they thought they deserved or maybe observed someone else receiving the smile instead of them. Then they leave. Perhaps the 100% unsatisfied people don’t leave but rather they stay and make sure everyone else is 100% unsatisfied.
I guess I’ll break it down a little further. I’m not satisfied because <insert name here> didn’t treat me very nicely. Here is another one. I’m very upset because my event was not given the proper space in the program or given the proper announcement time in front of the church. Even better one. I’m going to boycott an event because <insert name here> is leading and they didn’t treat my child the same as <insert name here>. Then there is the classic “What the preacher said was a shot at me and someone must’ve told him about me.” When will it ever end?
I’ve asked myself “Have I treated the church as my local restaurant or store?” “Whenever I don’t feel appreciated did I throw a fit!” I’m sure I have. Do I discuss it with others and try to get them to see it my way so I could justify the way I feel? Maybe. Was I right? Absolutely not! I was 100% wrong. The church is not Burger King and we don’t get it our way. The church is the Bride of Christ we should want it God’s way! We aren’t talking about Wal-Mart here where we get the Every Day Low Price. We are talking about God’s Will and God’s Kingdom where Every Day is a High Price! The price I’m talking about is our life and what we feel or want.
I arrived at an intersection in my life about 9 months ago. That intersection resulted in realizing that I should really get over myself. I had to take a long hard look and understand that my need shouldn’t come first. My feelings are exactly mine. I don’t have to involve anyone else. Though JaNonda has to listen to them, I think.
So if the need doesn’t come first and the feelings of others don’t come first then what should come first? The mission should come first. Better yet the vision should come first! Here is an example to reflect on. Mary was experiencing the graphic crucifixion of Jesus. Many people must’ve been experiencing the pain. I read that Jesus only pointed out one person, Mary. The person that I’m sure his heart was aching for. He could’ve stopped everything. He could’ve stepped down from the cross and offered sincere comfort to his mother Mary. He didn’t do it. Instead he asked John to look at his mother and comfort her while he was dying. Jesus placed the vision ahead of everything else. He placed the duty of what the Father wanted rather than the feelings of his own mother.
I’m not saying that we should ignore the feelings and needs of others. I’m saying the vision should be primary. Just as the vision that Jesus was carrying out. We should be concerned with the same vision. The vision that everyone be redeemed should be primary.
Special Note: Church family, don’t get upset and think it is your right to be upset. We should allow ourselves to work and become stronger. I don’t think anyone in God’s Kingdom is intentionally trying to hurt anyone. If so then they have someone bigger to answer too than us. Oh yeah those “Do unto others...” and “Judge not…” quotes? We may need to consider them again. -chuck
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