Ridgell's Originals

For a guy who talks about Jesus as much as I do, I can sure get sidetracked on things not nearly as  important.  Things like church for instance.

I know that Christians are the body of Christ.  I know church is not the hour Sunday morning.  Not the budget.  Not the professional staff.  Not the politics.  And those last things are some of the things that sidetrack me. 

I can sure find myself upset when things don't go the way I think they should.  I lost a lot of sleep this past year over Church turmoil.  Worried about what was being taught.  Worried about division.  Worried about power and politics. 

And I get that Paul worried about people too.  People not institutions.  Not buildings and budgets.  Not membership.  People.

So I have a sneaking suspicion that I worried too much about the not-really church part of church. 

I recently wrote about how my church was so much bigger than whatever congregation I attend. 

I need to remember that. 

We had a lot of emotional investment in our congregation.  Marsha was practically a charter member.  I was the first full-time youth minister/song leader.  We met there.  We got married there.  Preached on Wednesday night for almost ten years.  Served as an elder for almost 15 years.

But that is not the same as my people.  Church is not, is not, is not, the building and the programs. 

I need to pay more attention to Jesus.  I have come to realize that church really is not just about a congregation, "membership", and structure.

That does not mean that I believe whatever churches do or teach doesn't matter.  Of course it does.  I am more passionate than ever about how we decide what Scripture teaches.  Everyone may, or may not, agree with me. 

That is OK.  I will answer for what I teach.  As will every other parent, Bible class teacher, elder, preacher, and Christian that talks about Jesus.

But I am done worrying about church splits, budgets, attendance, and politics.

Bigger things to worry about if I am going to worry.

So here is my resolve this year.

God and Jesus.  Lost people.  Bible.  Getting brothers and sisters home.  Shepherding.  Serving.  People. 

Maybe I'll be a member of the body at large.  That might even be more what God had in mind for me.

More living and teaching.  Less worry about church stuff. 

More God business.  Less church business.

So God help me keep my eyes on you and your Son.  I look forward to what is next.