***Disclaimer: before you read this blog, please realize that
what you are about to read was God talking to ME about MY selfishness and MY
short-comings. If you feel convicted too, well, that’s the Holy Spirit.***
I went to the dreaded doctor today.
My appointment (well, actually the whole appointment process) really got me
thinking “You get what you pay for.” OK, not so much with the doctor. It’s
amazing how the one thing we pay the most for, our health, we don’t get to be
picky with. This frustrated me. After all, I made an appointment over a week
ahead of time. They knew I was coming, yet even thought I arrived 15 minutes
before my scheduled time (like the automated confirmation phone call instructed
me to), I still sat there waiting long past the appointed time. Then I realized
something. Wow, how spoiled are we really?! Let me explain.
Just about anywhere I go that I’m
willing to pay, I can expect timely service. Think about it. Restaurants – I expect
to have my meal before my stomach eats itself from starvation. Exaggeration?
Perhaps. Mechanics – I can expect to have my car back in a timely fashion
because I’m paying good money and need it for my daily commute. Beauticians – I
can expect my appointment to be on time since I am scheduled and am paying for
the services rendered. Side note for my wife: Just give your beautician a break
this time of year if she’s running a bit behind. Everyone (ahem, ladies) wants
in before the holidays, and they are working day and night to appease your “needs”.
I know this because my wife, Jackie, is working 12 hours shifts every day just
to make you pretty before Christmas. Some people are compliant, while others
better not have a strand of hair out of place. *End rant*
Anyway, back to my point. As
spoiled Americans, we expect near perfection almost everywhere we go. It’s all
about us. This got me thinking. Is it really any different in the Church? I’m
talking about the “Big C church.” Being in ministry I’ve seen people leave
because of the Church not catering to them. I’ve seen people leave because of
the Church not offering what they want. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over
the years of being a Christian it’s this: the Church is the Body of Christ –
NOT the staff of the church you attend or the building you attend it in. Nor is
it just the people who have been going there most of their lives. It’s those
whom Christ has redeemed through salvation. We (and I’m just as guilty) want to
blame the Church for its shortcomings rather than taking responsibility
ourselves. One of the best quotes I’ve ever heard regarding ministry is “Don’t
complain about something you’re not willing to volunteer for.”
I’m not writing this Blog to get
after anyone. To be honest, this whole thought-provoking process was self-reflection.
God was talking to me! When we tithe in the Church, we’re not doing so to get
something in return or to get noticed. We’re doing so to be obedient to our
creator - the one who gave his life for us. We’re doing so to fund the Church
so that it’s able to reach more lost people and enlarge God’s kingdom. My whole
point of writing this blog is to encourage you this season to love on those
around you – no matter where you are or what services you’re paying for. Be the
Church outside of the church building. Be courteous. Be patient. Be loving. Be
Jesus.
