Church

Where along the way did WE forget that its all about Jesus and start acting like it is all about us? It's sad to see how far off we are. How selfish and prideful we are.

A current theme I keep coming across lately is the state of the American Church and just how disgusted Christians are with what it has become. NEWSFLASH-YOU ARE THE CHURCH.

Instead of complaining about it, why don't we step up and do something about it? Sure, it's a lot easier to complain and wait for someone else to step up and fix things...but you might be waiting a while. And then what happens if it isn't fixed to your liking? I guess it all boils down to selfishness and pride.

I'm not mad or disgusted. My heart is breaking and heavy. And I can't help but imagine that Jesus' is the same.

I don't understand why people criticize and put others down for using their gifts to advance the Kingdom when they themselves aren't bothering to even try and put theirs to use. So what if we fall short or don't get things right the first time...at least were trying.

Forget leadership...what's that? You mean I have to submit to another? Doesn't make sense to me. People are perfectly happy and content when you 'lead' the way they want you too, but the second you make a decision and forget to inform them oh my gosh forget it.

I mean we are called to submit to the authority of Jesus Christ, right? I don't always like the way He 'leads' me, but I TRUST that He's leading me in the right direction. Isn't that what parents expect from their children? To trust that when they say no it is for their own good? Shouldn't the same go for the leaders of the church? If you are where you believe God has you then shouldn't you trust the leadership? Even if, God forbid, they head in a direction you may not be comfortable with.

Change is the constant companion of progress. Are you changing to look more like Jesus? Are you progressing in the right direction or getting left behind in your own bitterness and strife?

Things got all out of whack when people, myself included, decided to jump in the drivers seat and play God for themselves. Instead of pointing fingers and looking around watching to see who or when the state of the American Church will change for the better, WE ALL need to take a look inward and check the condition of our hearts.

Jesus is contagious. If we are doing what we can to imitate Christ, it will catch and people will follow. All we need is to keep our focus on Jesus. Take a look at the bigger picture...It's so much more than a good parking spot and a smile and hand shake from the pastor on a Sunday morning. It's about people, family, friends, souls that are lost and going to hell watching us that call ourselves Christians fight with one another about meaningless issues.

At the end of the day what really matters to you? The child that sleeps down the hall from you that may not know Jesus? The estranged sister that denies God? The spouse that's souls eternity is in question?

Determined to step outside of myself and everyday look more and more like Jesus...
Join me and WE can change the world. Sit back and watch me...in the end, you'll regret it.