Dying a thousand deaths

We had a business meeting at church tonight. I alternate in how I feel about these. On good days, I tolerate them. On bad days, I despise them. Tonight had potential to be the bad day kind. I understand why church business meetings can be good. For so many reasons, which I may outline sometime, it's easier for a meeting to go bad than for one to go well. Ask any Baptist and they'll tell you about the meeting that got really out of control. We have wounds. This year has been tough in many ways. Finances are inexplicably tight after a very healthy year last year. We're facing some significant building costs. A staff position wasn't filled as hoped. Some young couples (hello, Ian) are moving out of town. There's lots to complain about. Lots to celebrate too, but that's a bit harder when there are problems. Two good things happened tonight. First, the humanity of our leaders flickered through. At one point, one of our key leaders got a bit emotional and talked about how this year has been challenging, and how it's taken its toll. It's easy to pretend to have it all together, but it's nice to drop one's guard. The whole tone of the meeting shifted. Second, someone stood up and reminded us of God. I know that some churches over-spiritualize everything, but our tendency is to go the opposite extreme and to try and handle everything ourselves. It was nice to be reminded that maybe we ought to ask God for his help rather than try to solve everything ourselves. Kind of a novel concept for a church. I've spoken a lot lately on trusting God when things don't go our way. I can't help but think that God is teaching me something about what I've been talking about.

Comments

[Peter]

As I was reading this entry, a very similar chord was struck in my heart. We too are going through some MAJOR struggles. We keep asking the Lord what's up with that? What are we supposed to be learning? Where do we go from here? It seems like we're not getting any answers. A thought just flashed across my mind as I was reading. I think many of us are going through MAJOR struggles. I know the Lord has changed my thinking about a lot of things (like materialism, and holiness to name a couple). I know that I have become a little too comfortable in my place here on earth and my focus started to shift off of Christ. What if the Lord is refining His church for one last revival? Perhaps He's shaking us up out of our complacency and worldliness. I know He has got my attention! I want to challenge all you brothers and sisters to renew your minds and be transformed by God"s Word. Here's a great verse! "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1,2 (NIV). Even as I'm writing this the Lord is convicting and speaking to me. Pray for me and my wife to live like this verse says. I will pray for you. God bless you all.

[Ian]

We're are doing more than moving out of town, we are taking the Richview experience with us. We (may be I am talking just about myself) have been brought closer to Christ through our experiences at Richview and the next church we go to will have high standards to measure up to. I thank you and the rest of Richview for showing Christ to me in such a real way!

[George]

Amen to that Peter, I think you nailed it. I think you are right on and that God is calling His people back to a life of holiness. I think that is so lacking in so many churches. So many Christians have one foot in the world and one in the church. They want to have a relationship with Christ but not willing to give up the worldly pleasures that they are so used to. And then they wonder why their prayers are not being answered. I believe it starts with leadership. Its the leaders of the church, wherever that might be, that need to look inward at their own walk with God and if they have compromised on holy living. How much of the world have we allowed to creep into the church? Why is the church adopting worldly methods in their gowth strategies. Praise God for churches that see the call to holiness that you describe Peter. We have yet to see how God will work through people that are surrendered to Him in all areas of their life. How God will work through a church that stands committed and in submission to His Word, not allowing compromise. I am so blessed to be a part of such a church that has just been planted. We have already seen God do some incredible things and are fired up and expectant for more. Only, however, as we stay in a posture of humility and submission and surrender and allow His Spirit to work through His people. We believe He is calling for revival of His people. I don't know where you are from Peter but here in the Toronto area there is so much potential for God to get some work done. How does it come about though? When do we see real transformation? Only in submission and living in His will. Lets all pray for revival in our area and in our churches and amongst our church leaders. I believe God will honour that as we stay surrendered to Christ and lets get the world out of the church and bring more of a Christian influence back into the world. Its the only hope for this world. Jesus Christ is the only hope.

[Darryl]

I appreciate what you guys are saying. It's certainly hard to argue with a desire to honor God with complete surrender. I wouldn't want anyone to misread you, though. You can't draw a direct connection between how "well" a church is going and how spiritual and committed its people are. I don't think you've said that, but it's probably worth stating.

[George]

I agree with that Darryl. By their "fruits" we should be able to tell. Where is God really at work changing lives, bringing about real transformation? Not just surface changes but real passionate change. Where people have a desire to want more of God in their lives. To pursue God. I think there are a lot of churches where that isn't happening. A lot of the maybe well known mega churches that bring in the thousands. But what are they really doing. How are they different in their Mon-Sat lives that they are impacting their community for Christ. How many people sit in church on Sunday to get their spiritual check mark but the rest of the week its "I can't see the difference can you see the difference." I heard a quote I can't remember from where "So much of the modern gospel message is so watered down even the non-elect can't reject it" Let's all pray for our churches, especially those of us in the GTA, lets pray for revival in our area. It can happen. As we rely solely on God and allow Him to do the work through us, supernatural results will occurr. He promises us that. I love that verse in Chronicles "The eyes of the Lord roam to and fro searching for hearts to strengthen that are fully committed to Him" I think I paraphrased there but its something like that. And then in James"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." That's pretty profound don't you think? In our pursuit of righteousness our prayers will become more and more effective. We will and can expect to see answers. What a wonderful promise. The key again is surrender. That's the tough part, because the world has in so many respects taken a hold of people in the church. If we were to seek to free ouselves from that worldly bondage we would truly experince the freedom that a life in Christ is all about. Then we fall on our faces in gratitude for what He has done. Sorry I went on there Darryl, want you to know I am praying for you and your church and look forward to meeting you some day soon.

[Randall]

I hear you Darryl, I really, do. I'm just glad we don't have those meetings weekly!!