Last week, I was focused on the fact that so many people are stead fast in their own opinion and will not admit to the fact they could be wrong or even be open to listen to the opinions of others. The actions of those who are so stiff neck not only drives wedges in relationships but they can also affect the reputation of the obstinate individual. As I sat back on Monday morning, I took another look at the message from Sunday and discovered there is another energy drain in not only the church but also in life as well. I will be the first to admit that I have done this and am not proud of my actions. There was a cartoon on Facebook and I wish I could give credit to the artist but I could not find a reference.
There are a few things I noticed about this cartoon. Firstly, it looks to me like this was prayer time and, rather than hold off until after the service, the complainants chose this time of fellowship with the Lord to point out the shortcomings of others.
Second thing I noticed was that they were being admonished in public and not off to the side which would have been proper and professional. My question is this; were they trying to sow the seeds of dissension within the faith family? My final point regarding this illustration, the folks praying on their knees are associated with leadership within the congregation. Should they not be allowed to have their day of Shabbat? There is a time and a place for everything and this was neither the time nor the place. I know what you are thinking, this is just a cartoon but it does hit a bit close to home if we start to look around us.
Allow me to paraphrase a passage from scripture, namely Matthew 27:38-44. Two rebels on the cross either side of Jesus and the one is needling the Savior. “If you are in charge of all things, if you truly are the Son of God, why don’t you fix this little issue we have so that we can go back to enjoying life?” Could not have picked a better time to bring this complaint forward. Hanging on a cross, about to die for the sins of all mankind, kind of going into uncharted territory and someone decides to mention that the water closet is out of toilet paper as it were. I had this happen to me quite a few years ago when I was just starting in ministry. I was just about to go up to the platform and a member came up to me and mentioned that the toilet in the women’s washroom was plugged. I suggested they try to plunge it themselves but was told it was not their job. It has been well over two decades and I still remember the day. Now don’t get me wrong, church is not the only place this happens, it can happen at our places of employment. It is a subtle killer of joy and peace and can really turn the day in the wrong direction. You see, Jesus wants us to lift each other up and support each other, not talk smack or take the feet out from under anyone. Peter said it best:
For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it., it can happen in our homes. 1 Peter 3:10-11 NLT
This week, Pastor Eryn finishes up her series. Please join us either in person or online at 10:30 AM this Sunday. The service will be broadcast online on our website (https://www.mainavefellowship.ca/socialplatforms), or you are more than welcome to join us in person at 402 Main Ave. W in Sundre, AB.
Blessings,
Our Mission “To live the love of Christ”
