For the past 10-11 years of my life I have been involved in ministry work in a full-time capacity. The ministry work that I'm involved in specifically deals with music. In my 11 years of ministry I have noticed something...the Church is made up of a lot of whiney grumblers...of which I can be the worst at times.
We have all adopted this "me-first", "I have to have things my way." mentality. Sometimes we care more about our personal comfort levels than we do our spiritual health. If the music isn't what we want, we complain or make cynical comments. If the service has gone too long, we gripe or just get up and walk out. We complain and grumble about what the leadership is or is not doing, all the while not lifting a finger. Listen to me, I'm even grumbling about the grumblers.
The Church can be one of the most frustrating things about the Faith sometimes. The Church, when it's functioning as the Lord intended, is also the most beautiful thing about the Faith.
I think the key for us to get back to functioning as the Lord intended for us lies in our attitude and our humility. The Scriptures popping into my head as I type this out are "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."
When I start living these passages out and am less focused on me and having my needs met, I will have less to complain, and grumble, about. I won't need to be comfortable, because I'll be more concerned with someone else's comfort.
May the Spirit continue to work within us to achieve unity and love for this world. May we continue to be humble before God and men. May we be what is beautiful and right about the Church for God's glory!
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You've hit on an important connection. I hate it when I find myself grumbling about stuff I don't like because I know then that my attitude has drifted into the realm of "me first." It's interesting that the passage in Philippians 2 right before "Do everything without grumbling..." says "Have the same attitude of mind Christ Jesus had..."
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts... looking forward to more.
Philippians 2:3 is a meaningful passage that sits in print for daily viewing on my desk at work (along with several from James; James speaks to me). Oft-times it is easier quoted than lived, but always worth a reminder! So thanks for the reminder. :)
ReplyDeleteNice blog pic-- that's one of my Homer-faves.
And I like pie too. Ken & Dale's Restaurant in Alliance has good pie, if you ever find yourself there. Apparently the lemon meringue is best (I've had the chocoloate-peanut butter, as well as the coconut).