Sunday at church I heard a phrase that embodied an idea that has captivated my mind this week. " Self-centeredness leads to cannibalism." A passage of scripture was quoted that deals with Christians biting and devouring one another when they don't live according to the Holy Spirit's leadership. Hmmm. Cannibalism. Devouring one another? It seems that something is terribly wrong with the modus operandi of the church.
When a person comes to Christ, they are delivered from not only the penalty and power of sin, but from a system that is controlled by Satan. This system is governed through the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes, and the pride of life. We know according to scripture that this system will be destroyed at the second coming of Jesus Christ. In the meantime Jesus has said that we are to occupy until he comes. The harvest is plentiful....but the laborers are few....pray the Lord of the harvest that he would (get this)...SEND FORTH LABORERS into the harvest. Not create good church members. Not retreat from the world. Not find out more fabulous ways for Christ followers to disengage from the world. Jesus wanted (and wants) his followers to go into the world to reach people with the Gospel message.
I remember working at a lawncare company with a Christian brother in the 90s. We were both intent on witnessing to the people in the company. So much so that when they paired us up to work together one day we were like "this is good but we need to get back in the trenches tomorrow so we can keep spreading the Gospel!" That is so different from the typical attitude: "Oh this is wonderful! We don't have to hang around those wicked people today la la la la..."
If we are not equipping people to live the 166 hours a week that they are not in church to reach and teach their neighbors, family, and co-workers the good news about Jesus Christ we have failed. We have failed. WE HAVE FAILED! If our focus is primarily on the internal dynamics of church operations we have failed. If we focus on me me me when we do gather together we have failed.
I love "Church." But I no longer want to be sucked into self-centered Christianity. How un-Christlike is that.....
Sent on the Now Network� from my Sprint® BlackBerry
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1 comment:
Good thoughts here sir. Especially liked, "If we are not equipping people to live the 166 hours a week that they are not in church to reach and teach their neighbors, family, and co-workers the good news about Jesus Christ we have failed." That's what it really comes down to. Good job!
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