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Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

This blog will be written from an orthodox Christian point of view. There may be some topic that is out of bounds, but at present I don't know what it will be. Politics is a part of life. Theology and philosophy are disciplines that we all participate in even if we don't think so. The Bible has a lot to say about economics. How about self defense? Is war ethical? Think of all the things that someone tells you we should not touch and let's give it a try. Everything that is a part of life should be an expression of worship.

Keep it courteous and be kind to those less blessed than you, but by all means don't worry about agreeing. We learn more when we get backed into a corner.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Opus 2011-274, Should-a-Beens: “Ask not what your church can do for you...”

One of the great sound bites of history is the comment of John F. Kennedy when he challenged a generation to “Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country.”  It was a great moment.  Unfortunately, it fell on deaf ears and short attention spans.

But it is a great principle.  I think it would do us well to rephrase it like this, “Ask not what your ________ can do for you, but ask what you can do for your ________.”  Fill in the blank.  I would suggest “church” as a good example.  We have a large mass of people on spiritual vacation, looking for the amusement church that has the best heavenly thrill rides.  They talk about how a church is not meeting their needs.  They have a long list of things the church should be doing.  They want great preaching, a singles program or youth program depending on their age.  They want a nursery and ample parking.  A/C is assumed and of course you don’t want too many old people or uncomfortable seating arrangements.  They totally miss that the spiritual gifts are given out so they can serve, not so they can be served.

The principle is that we are to give, not take.  It applies to all areas of our life.  If you don’t want to put “church” in the blank, how about “wife”? 

Remember we are called to be saints, servants, salt and light.  We are not called to be victims, critics or sponges.  Where do you fit on the spectrum?

homo unius libri

2 comments:

Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.