In Other Words…

"There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, 'Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says, 'All right, then, have it your way.'"~ C.S. Lewis ~

Does anyone remember the Burger King ad with the catchy tune “Have it your way, have it your way at Burger King today”? Too often it seems that is the slogan we have adopted as American Christians. We want to have church our way: a beautiful building, cutting edge children’s ministry, youth group with a terminally hip & cool leader, a sermon with a dynamic Power Point presentation that lasts no longer than 30 minutes. Oh and don’t forget a worship team that is so kickin’ they should have record labels fighting over them!

The Bible should be our guide book for every aspect of our lives. When examining the New Testament scriptures does any of the above fit in? Is that what the Church should look like? There is nothing wrong with a nice building, etc. but what motivates the leaders and people of that local body makes all the difference. The focus should be on building the Kingdom of God with all the sacrifice and work that may entail, not creating our own little church kingdom on the earth.

Harold & I were watching a Christian talk show last night where a pastor from a rural area was being put on the spot by someone with a large ministry because he had turned down offers to be “promoted” to a larger city. This pastor loved his rural region, felt called there, and was having a great impact there. Yet it made no sense to the “city pastor”. “Doesn’t God show His approval by moving you on to a bigger work?” he asked.

We often think bigger is better, more influential, more “blessed”. One of the basic facts of Jesus ministry on earth was that it was small. He had 12 (well, really 11) committed disciples and a larger group of 70 followers. To many, a church of 83 people would not be considered successful. Yet there were enough committed people to change the world. Enduring persecution, they held church services in caves. They shed blood, were tortured, and often died for their faith. There is nothing glamorous in earthly terms about that kind of Christian life, yet it is the kind of life experienced by millions of our brothers & sisters even to this day.

I wonder what would happen if the church in America stopped wanting it their way and started asking God how He wants the church to look in this nation. Is it right for the church to spend more time & resources on themselves than caring for those who desperately need to see and feel the touch of Jesus in their lives? Our children would learn more about real life and about God by spending time volunteering in a soup kitchen or nursing home than on youth group trips with no Christ focus.

I want to invest my life and train my child in the things that really count for something, things that will last for eternity. When the day comes that I stand before God and He judges my actions, I want more gold accumulated than hay. To that end may I wake up each morning and say “God, thy will be done. Lord, have it your way.”

Comments

[lrlwreath]

Amen. I grew up in a really large church, and I did grow and learn a lot. But when we moved to "small town Florida" we went to "small town church". It took some getting use to at first, but now I would not want to go back at all. A church of 10 people or a chuch of 10,000...it does not matter, as long as they are Christ centered.

[Joy]

Wonderful post. Thanks for sharing.

[Debbie]

I have only had one church family in my life and while it was a small church it had a misson to serve God. And it did. I hope to find a new church that calls to me in the same way, not one I get lost in the hustle and bustle of being the biggest church! Great posting. Happy Tuesday!

[amydeanne]

We often think bigger is better

that is so true! I love the points you've made!

[Sissy B.]

The amazing thing about "In Other Words" is that not only am I enjoying the fellowship of other Christian women..but I am learning alot about myself, my faith walk and the walk of others. I needed to read this post at this time in my life...I am a member of a very large Purpose Driven church that concentrates all of it's efforts on church plantings. Lately I have been experiencing mixed feelings about it. Recently, I went to a much smaller church...was made to feel very welcomed and loved the message...however, I missed the "kickin" music of my larger church...thank you for bringing my thoughts about this back into focus with what it is all about...Christ..I will ocntinue to pray for Him to show me the way. Thank you!

[Nic]

Wow! Excellent post for the CWO! That is so true what you said. You have a great take on the quote.

[Julana]

You are so on the mark, Lori.