Many times I sit and think about how things are being done and why it is we do them the way we do. I realize that our traditions, comforts and just "that's the way we've always done it" play a great part in it, but are those reasons to continue down the paths we are on?Has there been a time when you were doing something "the way it's always been done" when you realized maybe there could be a different way of doing it? Do you feel like you have been led by the Spirit to maybe go that direction? Or is it something that you have a tendency or personal affection towards?
I'm not asking you to question everything you do or don't, but rather think if we are doing things for the right reasons. While I was reading a bit ago, I came across the verse found in Psalms 90:17..."Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!" This made me stop and ask the Lord to be upon the work I am doing for His glory and also started my mind racing with past ideas that I was afraid to speak out, because it was different than the way it's always been done or uncomfortable to some. I am starting to realize that through my Bible reading, praying and just getting to know "non-Christians" that those things we've always done can be a turn off to outsiders.
I am reminded of the passage in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23..."For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. (20)To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. (21)To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. (22) To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. (23)I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings."
This doesn't ask us to change the message of Christ we share, but I think it might allow us to make changes in presentations that would be a more comfortable environment for "outsiders", right? It says that Paul would make himself like those he was ministering to, so that "I might save some"...isn't that the key of what we are striving towards? If it was okay in the days of Paul to adapt, then who's to say it won't work for this generation?
What are your thoughts on this? Please share with me...
Please let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!
2 comments:
Man, this one's loaded! :-)
I'm on the same page, but exploring this to its likely conclusion is going to have you at odds with many church leaders; hopefully not any you work with (!). It can become a matter of back-filling theology to make it fit into the mold of "how we've always done it," or worse, "doing it this way will bring in more money," and you can find yourself to be the Lone Ranger against politics in the church. Then it becomes a true test of standing for Christ, at the expense of your job or reputation. I have seen this happen.
Worse, that kind of thing is rarely black and white. It can have you questioning motivations of others, which is a treacherous place to be. That's a great reason to "be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself." (Philippians 2:3)
Did I stay on topic?? I'm not sure... :-)
Yes, Dean, this could open a big can of worms, so to speak. I am not pointing a finger at any one thing in particular, but rather about what we can do to become (and I hate to say what seems to be the word of the day) more relevant to those around us, who aren't of our individual church fellowships. I am also not asking us to judge each other, but rather be open to what we are called to do...thanks for your feedback!
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