Sunday, January 24, 2010

Follow Jesus With Action

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." -- Ephesians 3:20-21

Church is not always a fun place to be. That's especially true when the pastor hits you right between the eyes. It's one of those things I like about Gary Daniel. He doesn't hesitate to state the truth. Everyone in New Connection received it this morning.

"What difference does it make that I came to church today?" Sounds like a simple question. Think about it. Are you sqirming yet? You will be.

Why do we go to church? Do we come out of habit or some sense of obligation? Especially in the Deep South, going to church on Sunday morning is just something that you do. Maybe we go to church to see our friends. Or for the free coffee and doughnuts. Maybe we feel a need to recharge ourselves. We want to soak in God's Spirit and feel refreshed as we start the week. We go to church to get what we need.

But what about God? Do we truly go to church to worship Him? Is our church experience about Him? Do we leave His House intent on doing His will in the world? Or do we leave planning to keep living life as we've always done?

Gary brought up another true point -- Jesus said to follow Him. He didn't say worship Him. He didn't say use Him as an excuse to socialize or to appease our guilt. Jesus said follow Him. If we do that, how can church -- or life for that matter -- be about us. Duh! It's not about us. It's about Him.

Personally, I go to church to learn. I want to follow Jesus yet I'm honest enough to admit I fall short numerous times each day. I want to be a better follower. Yeah, I want all that other stuff too. I want to see people I know. I want to sip coffee. I want to sing contemporary Christian songs with the band Narrow Road. But I also want to learn.

That means facing what comes after learning. Action. Maybe that was the point Gary was making. Following Jesus means taking action in His name. It might be supporting the youth as they raise money for Haiti. It might be taking 30 minutes to visit with someone confined to their home. It could be volunteering to do yard work for someone who is sick or elderly. Or sending cards. Or making phone calls. Whatever it is, it is doing something beyond simply attending church. It is allowing our relationship with Jesus to change us from merely being believers with our tongues to being believers with our actions. As followers of Jesus Christ.