Last week I asked a question about what you would change about the church if God granted you the ability to change one thing.
Some of the things people wanted to see change in included:
- Christian apathy
- More open discussion with people who are different (denominational dialogue and secular culture dialogue)
- A better understanding of grace
- A better understanding of Christian history
- More evangelistic
- More discipleship
I agree that the church needs some tune-ups or adjustments in these areas.
I once heard a lecture where the professor asked, “What is the biggest concern you have about the church today?” or to phrase it differently, “If you could change one thing about the church today, what would it be?”
The people in attendance voiced similar responses as those above.
Next, the professor suggested that perhaps our response to that question is our calling in the church.
We all see things differently from our unique perspectives. We want change in the church, but our top priority might be different.
Therefore, God has given us each a gift that we should share with the church.
If one of the above (or something else) is what we see the church needs change in most then it might be a passion we have.
So do something with the unique gift God has granted you with.
If you feel the church needs more education in Christian history – pray and ask God to show you how you can make this change happen. Maybe it’s a blog? Sunday School class? Or more dialogue with friends about this issue?
If it’s evangelism – pray and ask what you can do to help make this change. Get your perspective out in the conversations. Let your actions be used by the Holy Spirit to convict others who are not living a Christian witness.
Above all, whatever your “calling” is, ask God how you can become more involved in making this “change” happen in your local church.
Minister the Truth of Christ with the passion that God has gifted you with.
Mark,
This is so good. I’m a bit embarrassed to say that I was 50 (yes, FIFTY!) before I figured out that my gifts were bestowed for His glory and that I needed to marshal them to that purpose.
Sometimes I’m a bit slow on the uptake.
Thanks Sheila!
Better “late” then never 🙂
Some of us know this truth, but still fail to apply it.
Oh, I didn’t mean to suggest I’ve achieved consistent application of that principle!
As in everything else, I fall short. And as in everything else, He loves me anyway.
That’s the real gift..the one that takes me to my knees.
I agree…what we see….we need to share……opinions self contained are pointless….it is the process of sharing that is the difficult part…a willingness to be wrong or to make mistakes…and to be criticized pointedly are prerequisites…..and certainly sharing from our weakness (knowing the “best thing to do or say) becomes our strength.
I once heard a preacher say, “the need is the call…” Relating to your article, I guess if the need keeps catching my attention, then He’s probably calling me to respond.