From Rick Warren Purpose Driven Life page 137
This will be my 5th round of reading thru this book.
It’s part of my public LENTEN journey
Feel free to comment, question, add- this is, as the say at Planet Fitness, a NO JUDGEMENT ZONE.
Chapter Title: A place to belong.
Point to ponder; I am called to belong, not just believe.
Question to Consider: Does my level of involvement in my local church demonstrate that I love and am committed
to God’s family?
Keep in mind; I see a difference between commitment to God’s family, and a commitment to God.
I also have come to believe that “Spirit”, God- image of Christ- however one calls this
mysterious entity, can be found in all living entities that we encounter.
Rick writes, “ the first symptom of spiritual decline is usually inconsistent attendance at worship services and other gatherings
of believers. When we become careless about fellowship, everything else begins to slide too. “ pg 132 Rick writes, A church family moves you out of self
centered worship, and we discover our role in life through our relationship with others.” pgs 131-132
On page 136- Rick writes, “ Attenders are spectators form the sidelines, members get involved in the ministry. Attenders are consumers; members are
contributors. The Christian life is more than just commitment to Christ, it includes a commitment to other Christians.”
Aren’t we all challenged with commitment issues? I don’t have enough time in the day. The people sitting next to me are hypocrites. I don’t believe fully what the
priest is saying. All the church wants is my money and more of it. I‘ve heard it all and thought it all as well.
I do believe that it is important to be a contributor and not sit on the sidelines in worship attendance and membership. Where ever one practices religion,
when we are within a group, experiencing the love and spirit of God with other humans, the energy is magnified.
This is a process, and it takes time to move from the self centered- I pray while I’m doing the Sunday cross word puzzle
to- yes, I go to mass every week and make that sacrifice of one hour to be with God and God’s family.
Try it, something wonderful might happen.
2 comments:
remember the kingdom of God is within. The most spiritual and God
knowing people never set foot in a church. Every breath you take is a testament to God, every thought you think is a prayer and every action you take is God in action. There is no separation!!!!! If you enjoy the fellowship by all meaans go to church but dont confuse attending church with being in touch with God, stive for that knowing and relationship with the God within, every moment
Yes, it seems that we have evolved to the attendance at worship is part of the human administration of " the church" on earth.
For me, I like the fellowship and I like the energy that is created by the singing.
Post a Comment