What Would Jesus Say?
OK, let's talk about the Church...Christ's Church, here in the U.S., as it is influenced by Americanized religious culture. The things that matter most to citizens of the good ol' U.S. of A. regarding the faith (after the sacred cow we call Sunday morning worship) include, but are not limited to:
A.) A preacher who keeps our attention,
B.) A Sunday morning music selection that includes our personal favorites,
C.) A low-profile, no-sacrifice, no-commitment spin on giving,
D.) A rote, repetitious Scripture reading before the Lord's Supper, regardless of how often,
E.) An archaic method of speaking to God, we call prayer, despite the fact that only speakers of the King's English can understand it, and
F.) A "Grand Finale" closer after exactly 59 minutes and 30 seconds, to assure the ticket-holders that we are, in fact, DONE, and that they can relax for 6 more days.
There, I said it; I called it for what it is and for what no one else wants to admit about it. I've spoken that which we all know but withhold and jump on the first person to point it out with condescending tone. And at the very least no one attempts much more than to moderate it and water it down by trying to find "middle ground" so everyone can be happy with themselves. But, I, too, have fallen into this rut that we Americans call "worship." And I am more than willing to confess: I have dreams about and can almost see clearly my Savior looking at me and saying any of the following to me or to any American worshiper:
"Instead of accusing the speaker in the pulpit for your lack of 'being fed,' why can't you absorb every word of mine and drink in the Word regardless of who's lips it passes through? or, at the very least, be thankful that you have My Word to listen to and meditate upon?"
"Instead of documenting the Sunday morning song list only to determine that it's been 4 weeks since we've done one of your favorites, why can't you just come to the foot of My throne and use every moment and every resource to give Me praise?"
"Instead of counting out to the penny your 10% each week, why can't you let your gifts overflow from the joy of NOT knowing what I have planned with your paycheck?"
"Instead of viewing your service of worship as a 'highlight' to the week, why don't you use it as the start and the springboard of a week filled with worship by the way you live? or, at the very least, plan to give me more than just this one hour that comprises less than a thousandth of your week?"
A.) A preacher who keeps our attention,
B.) A Sunday morning music selection that includes our personal favorites,
C.) A low-profile, no-sacrifice, no-commitment spin on giving,
D.) A rote, repetitious Scripture reading before the Lord's Supper, regardless of how often,
E.) An archaic method of speaking to God, we call prayer, despite the fact that only speakers of the King's English can understand it, and
F.) A "Grand Finale" closer after exactly 59 minutes and 30 seconds, to assure the ticket-holders that we are, in fact, DONE, and that they can relax for 6 more days.
There, I said it; I called it for what it is and for what no one else wants to admit about it. I've spoken that which we all know but withhold and jump on the first person to point it out with condescending tone. And at the very least no one attempts much more than to moderate it and water it down by trying to find "middle ground" so everyone can be happy with themselves. But, I, too, have fallen into this rut that we Americans call "worship." And I am more than willing to confess: I have dreams about and can almost see clearly my Savior looking at me and saying any of the following to me or to any American worshiper:
"Instead of accusing the speaker in the pulpit for your lack of 'being fed,' why can't you absorb every word of mine and drink in the Word regardless of who's lips it passes through? or, at the very least, be thankful that you have My Word to listen to and meditate upon?"
"Instead of documenting the Sunday morning song list only to determine that it's been 4 weeks since we've done one of your favorites, why can't you just come to the foot of My throne and use every moment and every resource to give Me praise?"
"Instead of counting out to the penny your 10% each week, why can't you let your gifts overflow from the joy of NOT knowing what I have planned with your paycheck?"
"Instead of viewing your service of worship as a 'highlight' to the week, why don't you use it as the start and the springboard of a week filled with worship by the way you live? or, at the very least, plan to give me more than just this one hour that comprises less than a thousandth of your week?"
preach bro!!
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