Bored?
I subscribe to a weekly Fast Facts email from Christian Ministries International that provides some relevant and practical resources in contending for the faith and growing confidence in sharing the gospel. (I recommend you subscribe.) The ministry is led by Jason and Jared Carlson (whose father and founder, Ron, came to Christ’s Church and equipped us with some excellent apologetic tools back in the late ’90s and early 2000s before the Lord took him home in 2011).
This past week, Jason and Jared shared something different. They addressed a non-apologetic subject they entitled “Boredom in Church.” I thought their words were insightful, instructive, and worthy of passing along:
Many people wrestle with boredom in church. Often the pursued solution to this boredom is to find a “bigger” and “better” church experience. But what if this approach doesn’t satisfy?
Maybe you need to consider the possibility that your faith has become more “me” centered than “He” centered? Maybe a new church isn’t the answer, but a new posture in worship? Here are 3 words that have the power to forever change your experience of church.
“Rejoice”... As you prepare to go to worship, begin by embracing an attitude of gratitude. Reflect on the Lord’s goodness and his many blessings in your life, and thank him for them.
“Revere”... Focus your heart on who God is and the amazing reality that He loves you! The more you meditate on the reality that the sovereign Creator of the universe loves you, and has lavished His amazing grace upon you, the more your heart will be bent towards praise.
“Refocus”... Follow Paul’s admonition in Romans 12:1-2 and ask God to refocus your heart’s priorities. As you enter worship, say to the Lord, “God, my one desire today is to honor You. Please use this service to transform me, and further conform me to Your holy will.”
By practicing these 3 “R’s” you can adopt a new posture in worship and experience the fullness of joy and blessing that’s available in gathering for worship at church.
If I may piggyback on the Carlson’s 3 “R's", I’d add a 4th…"Remember”:
We are the city of the living God (Hebrews 12:22).
We are the church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven (Hebrews 12:23).
We are Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 12:27).
We are His bride (Revelation 19:7).
We are the people of God (1 Peter 2:10).
We are the household of God (Ephesians 2:19).
We are the pillar and support of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15).
We are the flock of God (1 Peter 5:2).
We are the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16).
We are a letter of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:3).
We are God’s field and God’s building (1 Corinthians 3:9).
And of course, we must remember what Jesus said…“I will build My church and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:18).
With that, how could anyone ever get bored with the Lord's church?
One of my recent favorite updated hymns is “The Church’s One Foundation” sung by Perimeter Worship. Take a listen and praise the Lord that He has graced you to be a vital part of His invincible church.
Pastor Jeff