Focus

Churches these days seems to be filled with do's and dont's. They seem to focus on how to improve ourselves. And although nothing is wrong with this, I sometimes feel it is an inward focus. And Jesus is all about an outward focus. Forsaking ourselves for the sake of others.

Its true we all have many areas we could improve on. But wouldn't a better way of improving be, not to regulate ourselves, but to Love and care for those around us? Wouldn't it be easier to stop drinking too much, if you focused on the people you were hurting? Isn't that true for most things?

If we can get our churches to start looking outward, to start caring about those, not only in the congregations, but out in the world, the churches would have no choice but improve itself. It would quit being judgemental because it would see how it hurt others. It would quit being hypocritical cause it would see the damage it does. The church, and the individuals in it, would begin to see that their witness is hampered by their faults. And if the church is truly following Jesus (not all do), they would begin to improve on these faults so they can serve those in need. That is the real lesson of Christ. To forsake ourselves in order to serve those in need by showing them the way to the greatest Joy and Peace they will ever know. Jesus.

Structure

Hymn. Welcome. Hymn. Prayer. Hymn. Sermon. Offertory. Invitation. Benediction.
Does that sound like your church service? It did mine. And why do we have to have set ways to pray? Following Jesus isn’t a 12 step program. It’s a relationship.

A good relationship with Jesus is the key. He wants us to know him. Not just follow a set of rituals (not all are bad, I love the Lord’s supper). What I am saying is, if you treated one of your other relationships the same way, how long would it last?

“Hey”
“How are you”
“You look beautiful”
“I brought you flowers”
“Talk to you later”

If I used that same conversation with my girlfriend over and over, how long would she stay around, or would she have even come around in the first place? So why do we think this brings us closer to Jesus? I don’t believe it does. I think we form a ritual, a way to go and do our worshipping without ever truly getting to know Jesus. And that is a huge mistake. He is a Loving, caring, Graceful, amazing Lord. And sometimes I think our worship and relationship is not much more than a form letter.

So next time you are worshipping or praying, be open. Realize that Jesus is more than just God, he’s our friend. He’s our brother, father, etc. He is all things to all people. If we will only open up to him and be true. He wants us as we are. He Loves us all.

Respect

The Pastor at Northpark made a very good point today. When the rich man came to him and asked what he needed to do to follow God (God told him to give up all belongings and follow him), Jesus didn't chase him when he chose not to. Jesus let the rich man choose, and respected that choice regardless of what it was. He respected freewill.

Why is this important for me? Because all my years growing up, I felt like I had failed whenever I had a friend or family member not take Jesus as their saviour. I was always taught it was my job to go out and make Christians. Its not. Its my job to simply witness through my words and action. It is the Holy Spirit who opens hearts.

The problem with believing it is your job to make Christians, is when do you stop talking about it? These are my friends and family, but I can't shove it down there throats. And I never wanted to. It is and has always been their decision. But for years I would feel bad when I was around someone who wasn't a Christian, just because I wasn't talking about Jesus. That is why the Pastor's point is so important. We are to respect each individual's decision regardless of the outcome. So if you talk to someone and they choose not to follow Jesus, its ok. You did what God wanted you to.

Don't be mistaken. You continue to witness to that person, just not necessarily through words. Live a life where they can see Jesus in all that you do. Be true to who you are. The good and the bad. Just make sure you Love those around you and God will make you the witness he wants you to be.