Maybe “normal” is the wrong word, but just because something is not common does that mean we should not pursue it?
Today I talked about God’s design for the church and granted it’s not common and I’m not sure that I can find many examples where it’s working right, but, personally, I don’t think that should be a reason not to pursue it. I mean if it’s God’s design shouldn’t it be our aspiration? You see I think there are things we shy away from or give up on because we can’t envision a way, realistically that it can be pulled off. But that’s the reason we’ve called our current series: “It’s a God Thing”. These are things that are not possible without God.
Sure we can have a church where we only relate with the people like us. We can have a church where we’re segregate by age, stage of life, style preferences and only talk to people who think like we do. But none of that would require the Spirit of God. I can do that in any local environment or club. And so I wonder: is one of the reasons we see few churches reach God’s design because we fight humbling ourselves and relying on the Spirit of God to do His work in and among us?
So, while I understand that it’s not common and I could see how it may not seem realistic – I still long for it and I still have to believe we can become it. Yes it will require God’s work, yes it will require our surrender and yes it will require intentional steps to place ourselves in the position for God to work. But I have to say, the few times I’ve tasted God’s plans they’ve far exceed my expectations. There is something special when it’s a God thing and I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to settle for a “me-thing” when I could embrace a God thing!
Biblical community is possible, but not in my strength or efforts — only Jesus’!
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