Have you ever gone "Church shopping?" You know, try different churches until you find the one that meets your list of requirements? Great children's ministry, awesome worship experience, engaging sermons, etc.
Most of us do this, but I think it's time for a paradigm shift.
As followers of Christ, our great commission is to go and tell the world about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:18-20) So how does that fit in with "church shopping"?
I have an idea for you. The next time you are looking for a new church, pray with your spouse beforehand. Ask God to make you both sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading. If you don't like something or it doesn't fit your needs, ask God to show you if He wants you there anyway.
We cannot guess God's plan for us, and we cannot know what adventures await us when we submit to His will. There might be a whole new group of friends waiting to embrace you that you never would've met had you listened to your own desires.
Another thing we need to realize is that when you are walking closely with the Lord, church is not about meeting YOUR needs, it's about YOU meeting the needs of the church, according to His purpose. God has gifted each of us with unique talents and abilities. The body of Christ cannot function without you! We are all called to serve.
1 Corinthians 12:14 says, "Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many."
It takes all of us, with our different talents and callings to be a functioning and glorifying body of Christ.
Let's BE the church, instead of just going to church.
Before you say, "Oh we can't go to this church, I don't like the childcare", how about saying, "God, are you calling me to serve the children at this church in Your name?"
BE the change you want to see.
I agree! Sunday is a time to be filled so you can go into the world the following week armed, refreshed, and ready to share the hope that's in you, very day should be church! The important thing to ask yourself, is the truth being taught, and is the worship uplifting and fulfilling? If they aren't then definitely ask God these questions, "should I stay or should I go?" Stay and use the gifts He's given you to help make things better, or go where you'd best be used by the Lord elsewhere. But always pray and seek His will...and always live the church daily, not just on Sundays!
ReplyDeleteI agree! Sunday is a time to be filled so you can go into the world the following week armed, refreshed, and ready to share the hope that's in you, very day should be church! The important thing to ask yourself, is the truth being taught, and is the worship uplifting and fulfilling? If they aren't then definitely ask God these questions, "should I stay or should I go?" Stay and use the gifts He's given you to help make things better, or go where you'd best be used by the Lord elsewhere. But always pray and seek His will...and always live the church daily, not just on Sundays!
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