This past Sunday we had a guest pastor share the sermon at our church. If you’re like me, there’s times when you can be just a bit hesitant to embrace someone being such a major part of the service that isn’t a regular part of your church. I must say though, that even though my initial thoughts may have been one of hesitation, I’ve never been disappointed in the least after the message was complete. This week was no different.
The visiting pastor’s message was based on the upcoming Fourth of July holiday and contained a lot of great thoughts, ideas and challenges. Just the right mix of what speaks to my heart, every time. He shared an interesting account of the history of our country and the importance of the relationship our Founding Fathers had with the God and the church. All that was a very fitting reminder for this week’s holiday celebration, but it was actually a comment this Pastor made that was likely more a side point, that has stuck with me this week. He asked…
“What is the purpose of the church if it acts the same as the world?” Go ahead and read that again…
It was as Oprah often says, a “tweetable moment”. Wait… let’s think about that. We often decide to attend a church because it “fits” our lifestyle, or beliefs, and feels comfortable. All that can be important, however, what chance is there that basing our decisions on what church is best for us is based on that church, it’s leaders, beliefs, doctrines and weekly challenges, are what is best for us – what we need to hear?
I think why this question has stayed with me this week is because I started to explore that same question in a more personal way. For example… “What is the purpose of [my life] if I act the same as the world?” Ok… try that one again too.
We all can feel more comfortable trying to fit in, and be part of a group, or even at times just incognito. Yet, isn’t what we are called to do and to be, so much more than that? When is the last time you felt comfortable to step out, be bold and APPROPRIATELY say you disagree, or see something differently, based on what you truly do believe deep down inside? Or when is the last time you spoke up saying that you would appreciate it if someone didn’t talk that way in front of you (or your children or grandchildren) because you believed the Lord needed to be honored, versus demeaned?
1 Peter 3:15 says… But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.
What I take from this verse is that there are times when others truly do see the hope that is in us. Yet, when things get difficult, challenging or go against what we believe in, do we, with gentleness and respect, share why we believe things should be handled or spoken about differently? Certainly not always easy, but always important to do.
Third Day has a great song titled, “Soul on Fire”. Just think about that title for a minute….The lyrics say…
God, I’m running for Your heart
I’m running for Your heart
Till I am a soul on fire
Lord, I’m longing for Your ways
I’m waiting for the day
When I am a soul on fire
Till I am a soul on fire
Lord, restore the joy I had
I have wandered, bring me back
In this darkness, lead me through
Until all I see is You
Lord, let me burn for You again
Let me return to You again
And Lord, let me burn for You again
And let me return to You again
https://youtu.be/i7lv9oMjv_0?list=PLWvahZRxLnLMSWeULnub0CCeQzvxGM8hB