Vol. 17 No. 45 | November 10, 2014
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:3-4, NIV)
“The preacher often reads from one of those new Bible versions that uses really modern and often casual language. I just don’t like it. I’ve asked him about it, but he says it is easier for some people to understand than the version I like. I wish he would stop using it.” Paul said, “Value others above yourselves.”
“Our church is changing. There are so many new people. I hardly know any of them. They dress differently. Some of those young men make me a little nervous. I’m not sure I like the way things are changing.” Paul said, “Value others above yourselves.”
“What’s the deal with the songs we sang today? They were so slow. I don’t think any of them were written in the last one hundred years. I guess some of the older people like them but why do we have to sing them.” Paul said, “Value others above yourselves.”
“You would not believe what the elders are talking about doing at church. They are asking us to volunteer to work for one hour a week on some kind of service project in our community. I am too busy. I don’t have time for that.” Paul said, “Value others above yourselves.”
“I know those people need help. But it’s not my fault that they are out of work. Why do I have to help them?” Paul said, “Value others above yourselves.”
“The church budget seems to be really out of balance. So much money goes to the young people. They are always taking but what do they give back?” Paul said, “Value others above yourselves.”
“I am sick and tired of the elders getting up and asking us to increase our giving. I work hard for my money. What I do with my money is my business.” Paul said, “Value others above yourselves.”
“I don’t care how much they talk about being more involved at church, my time is my time.” Paul said, “Value others above yourselves.”
We spend a lot of time in our churches and spiritual communities trying to make sure that things are done the way we like. We spend a lot of time trying to control how things are done. We get angry when we do not get our way. We threaten to leave if our voice is not heard. We fuss and fight and gripe and complain. We do everything within our power to make sure church life goes according to our plans. In the process we create unrest, weaken the harmony of the church, and destroy the unity of Christ’s Body.
It is not supposed to be this way. Church is not supposed to be this difficult. We can do better. The solution is really much simpler than we might think. It starts with what Paul said, “Value others above yourselves.”
Tom
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