Skewed Expectations

***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.