Light the Fire
Have you ever felt just plain drained? Physically tired no matter how much sleep you got? Spiritually apathetic no matter how much you dwelve into God's word?
Ever felt that that spiritual fire that once burnt so brightly has gone from a bright glow to a flicker and gone out completely?
I have felt this way basically nonstop for the past year or so and I honestly don't know what to do anymore... I just feel soccufficated sometimes by life in general... I remember times I felt so close to God I could almost feel his presence within me, but lately I can't help but look at the present day establishments we call churches without a grain of salt more often than not they seem more like overglorified social clubs than a small portion of a much bigger FAMILY (I capitalize family to inficise(sp) it's importance) God's FAMILY.
The Church is indeed suppost to be the family of God but everywhere I look I see Christians fighting amongst themselves about who's right about this issue or that. I experienced first hand youth ministers disfellowshiping brother from brother, destroying friendships that would have lasted a lifetime, over something as temporary as an age difference. I have heard of elders doing the very same thing among the rest of the congeration. That isn't a family, that isn't unity. Rather than unify the family of God it seems most churches tend to want to divide it's congeration into nice neat organized boxes. And then have the nerve to preach lessons on unity and sing songs to God with lyrics like "Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in christian love" it makes me sick. And yet it happens again and again right before our eyes... I've seen many a congeration ripped apart by it and I myself have been victim of it.
So many questions come to mind at the moment.
Why can't we simply accept each other the way we are?
Why can't we simply "Love One Another" as Jesus hisself said was the greatest command?
Why do so many churches insist on division instead of unity?
and the one I think we all need to ask...
"What can I do about it to make it better?"
Ever felt that that spiritual fire that once burnt so brightly has gone from a bright glow to a flicker and gone out completely?
I have felt this way basically nonstop for the past year or so and I honestly don't know what to do anymore... I just feel soccufficated sometimes by life in general... I remember times I felt so close to God I could almost feel his presence within me, but lately I can't help but look at the present day establishments we call churches without a grain of salt more often than not they seem more like overglorified social clubs than a small portion of a much bigger FAMILY (I capitalize family to inficise(sp) it's importance) God's FAMILY.
The Church is indeed suppost to be the family of God but everywhere I look I see Christians fighting amongst themselves about who's right about this issue or that. I experienced first hand youth ministers disfellowshiping brother from brother, destroying friendships that would have lasted a lifetime, over something as temporary as an age difference. I have heard of elders doing the very same thing among the rest of the congeration. That isn't a family, that isn't unity. Rather than unify the family of God it seems most churches tend to want to divide it's congeration into nice neat organized boxes. And then have the nerve to preach lessons on unity and sing songs to God with lyrics like "Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in christian love" it makes me sick. And yet it happens again and again right before our eyes... I've seen many a congeration ripped apart by it and I myself have been victim of it.
So many questions come to mind at the moment.
Why can't we simply accept each other the way we are?
Why can't we simply "Love One Another" as Jesus hisself said was the greatest command?
Why do so many churches insist on division instead of unity?
and the one I think we all need to ask...
"What can I do about it to make it better?"
posted by Ross at 3:36 PM
2 Comments:
hey bro - remember this: "never judge a philosophy by its abuse." that means because people get things all bent around and sideways shouldn't detract from the heart of the message that is still there. rise above it and be Christlike to them for their own shame. one of the best things about Church is the people, unfortunately, at times, it's also one of the worst. what often happens is that people forget to keep a laser like focus on Christ and they start to focus on themselves or those around them - when that happens, you start to sink a la Peter walking on the water.
shawn
I completely agree with Shawn! And I would add, don't keep focusing on the anger and sadness! Find a group of God's people and get a fresh start while continuing to treat those that hurt you in a Christlike manner. I'm afraid you'll drown in the depression and disappointment if you stay where you are.
There is much good in the church! Find one where you can focus on that, get built up spiritually, and get back in the fight! (Suddenly a chorus of "I'm In The Lord's Army" is ringing through my head!) : )
Don't let this get you down and don't get distracted by the mistakes of people! That''s exactly what the devil wants. You, with Jesus by your side, will survive! (Oh no! Now "I Will Survive" is going through my head!) ; )
Love you bunches!
Liz
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