A comment I have often heard on a Sunday morning goes something like, ‘I didn’t feel like worship today,’ or ‘The sermon didn’t speak to me today.’ How about, ‘We need this program. SOMEBODY should do it.’ Maybe it’s ‘We did it differently in my day.’ We’ve all heard those sentiments, or if we are honest with ourselves, we’ve said those words ourselves. Rarely do we hear, ‘How can I serve today?’”
Something we all need reminding of, me included, is that worship isn’t about us. It involves us, but we are there to worship the Lord, not be the focal point of the service.
Secondly, we need to remember that God’s Word is proclaimed in its power. While some messages may hit closer to home than others, and certainly some sermons are better crafted and delivered than others, we need open hearts to hear the truth.
The regular service at your local assembly isn’t about you (or me). It’s about the body coming together. It’s where we learn, serve and practice generosity and hospitality.
It’s a place where we can practice giving and receiving grace and forgiveness. It’s where we can safely practice getting along with others who may not be just like us.
It’s where we can share and bear one another’s burdens. It’s a holy place, a gift from God above.
The Sunday service isn’t about meeting your perceived needs, nor is it necessarily designed to fit your personal preferences. There might be music you don’t like, or an order of service that isn’t your favorite.
Perhaps, from your perspective, there is too much/too little emphasis on something. Maybe the preacher is too academic or not academic enough. Maybe the coffee brand served before or after the service isn’t your favorite.
We can always find something to complain about at the church. It’s full of people, and people are broken sinners, saved by grace. We are works in progress, justified, being sanctified but not yet glorified.
The church is the Bride of Christ. It’s the way He has chosen to build His kingdom. As he does with us, He loves the bride with all her warts, flaws and stumbles. We need to love her too.
The earthly church is never going to be perfect. It isn’t designed to meet all our personal preferences. It’s designed to grow us in Christlikeness.
The writer of Hebrews exhorts us…
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-25 ESV
The local assembly will have its problems, but that’s our opportunity to BE THE CHURCH to step in and serve, pray and give. It’s God’s wonderful gift to us.
What’s God calling you to do at the local level? It’s certainly not to just be a spectator. The body needs you, and you need the body.
It’s time to open your heart and mind and step up.
Be blessed
Kevin
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SUMMARY
The local church exists not to satisfy personal preferences or perceived needs, but to gather believers together to worship God, grow in Christlikeness, and serve one another. As members of Christ’s Bride, we are called to step in, serve, and love the church with all her imperfections, rather than sitting on the sidelines as spectators.
KEY POINTS
Worship is directed toward God, not designed around the worshiper’s comfort or preferences.
The local assembly is where believers learn, serve, practice grace, bear one another’s burdens, and grow together in faith.
The church needs your active participation — Hebrews 10:23-25 calls us to encourage one another and keep gathering together, especially as the day draws near.
