There are plenty of things that keep people away from God: our worldly culture, business, allure of other religions, temptation, individuals passionately opposed to the church, Satan, and more. Yet, in my experience, near the top of the list of factors keeping people away from church is us. Yes, us Christians are often very good at shooting ourselves and the church in the foot. We do it when we are legalistic, maintain a closed “holy huddle” attitude, live a life of hypocrisy, judge rather then love, and so on. Not only are we often a barrier between non-believers and Christ’s church, we are also really good at leading others away from God. We reject them because of a sin, knock them because of their opinions, assert that only our preference is correct (often the case with worship style), and so on. It makes my heart hurt each time I hear someone share of how an experience with Christians and the church has taken them FURTHER away from God.
As Christians we are all servants and representatives for God and His church, rather we like it or not. You may not be a pastor, staff member, elder, or deacon, but as a Christ follower you are seen by others as a representative of God. My question to you is: how are you doing in that role? Let me come out of the gate and say I have not always been the greatest at this in my life. I’ve let my zealousness lead me to unfairly judge and reject others, and I’ve viewed my opinion as far superior to that of others. I’ve had to do some major repenting and changing in my life to be the sort of servant Jesus has called us all to be.
I’d encourage you to not only read the following scripture, but to use it to evaluate your own life.
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call. Ephesians 4:1-4
Specifically, ask yourself the following:
- Am I living a life worthy of Christ, who gave himself as a sacrifice for my sin?
- Do I approach all areas of my life with a spirit of humility?
- Am I patient with those who hold beliefs and views different then me?
- Do I seek unity or do I cause discord? I tell you friends, every time I get on social media I see fellow Christians being very divisive, especially on political issues.
I encourage us all to really examine our life and, if we find ourselves struggling, to repent of our sins and to change our ways. God needs each and everyone of us to do his work, so lets clean up our act and serve in humility, patience, love, and unity.
