Entertain me.
Delight me.
Distract me.
We are on a constant hunt to find pleasure in all we do.
We are seeking a God that is palatable, tasty and pleasurable. We go to big conferences, with big screens and big pastors. All is good as long as it points to Christ, right?
This makes me wonder.
It makes me wonder whether the fan-fare would be a delight or a fright to Jesus?
We know it is all about his glory for his story.
We know it is all about his name and not our fame.
But, somehow the famous draw us, the powerful captivate us and the big lights lure us.
Is lowly and humble Jesus found against the big lights of Christianity?
Is he found in the lights of the big show or in the shadow of the big Father?
I can’t help but think that when we demand church be an experience, we miss the experience that is Jesus. We miss the stillness of a moment where it is just us and him. We miss the quiet heart that says, I don’t need all that – I just need you. We miss the convictions of the Holy Spirit at work within us, because we are too focused around us and we can’t hear what he is saying to us.
Entertainment becomes an opiate to hide us from reality.
A crutch to keep our anxious minds in motion.
Novocaine to dull our suffering.
But, perhaps suffering is just what God has set forth for us to feel in the moment, because it will move us towards deeper love and faith.
It’s not the big lights we need to keep our eyes off of ourselves, but simply the light of Christ to shines truth into the hidden places of our aching hearts.
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor. 12:10)
But, for us entertainment seekers, silence, quietness and stillness of mind scares us. It’s uncomfortable.
Instead, we become so focused on what others are saying and doing, that we often miss what God wants us to say or do for another. We expect the producers to make the show good enough for us to consume and when we don’t we leave disappointed.
But, did Jesus seek to put on a show to make Christianity glow?
He didn’t seek big followers in order to make new followers.
“When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, ‘Will you give me a drink?'” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) (John 4:17)
This woman went alone. She went with her thoughts. She went with a simple bucket, most likely. But, what she got was an encounter with Jesus. Jesus, who stepped away from the other disciples, away from the crowds to meet a woman in a simple way, through simple words, that would simply change her heart forever.
Jesus’ approach was simple.
He simply approached man with straightforward truth to let the power of the living Word transform dying hearts.
Jesus knew the Word of the Lord is more than sufficient – and more than capable – to accomplish all it is set forth to accomplish.
He withdrew from the crowds for quiet prayer with his Father. He calls us to do the same – to talk without noise, without pretense and without the show being our idol.
Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! (Ps. 150:1-2)
Our call is to praise the Lord, to seek his soul, to seek his face.
Perhaps it doesn’t come down to what others do, or what people offer us, or who says what or how many people are at whatever event or the amount of lights, but it comes down to how we enter into church and how we approach the Father.
It comes down to who and what we follow.
It comes down to what we expect, to what we demand and what we seek.
It comes down to: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ (Mt. 22:37) and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Mt. 22:39)
It comes down to – it’s all about Him.
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I understand what you are saying and I realize that the “contemporary ” services are not for everyone. I believe any type of service is what you make it in your heart to be. I have attended church all my life. About 5 years ago we started going to what people call ” contemporary ” services. I never feel like they are putting on a show or wanting the attention. I have never felt closer to God in my life. I think we all have to be careful with the judgement calls of how people worship. We are to follow God’s word and love Him with all our heart, soul and mind. If this type of worship leads you astray then get away quickly and find what keeps your heart right!!
So glad I waited a day to link up with #RaRa, Kelly, because I may have missed this post. I quoted the same scripture in my post today. I’m so with you on this. Sometimes it saddens me deep in my heart, a place so deep that I don’t think it’s me that’s saddened…when I see how “church” is changing and how it is evolving into an experience and not church for the sake of simply gathering together and showing love and extending a hand…what’s in it for me? I confess, there are many times…many more than I’d like to admit, that I have that mindset myself. Jesus, change my heart! Thanks for a great post today, Kelly.
I love this Mary. I think the devil really wants to get his hands in the church. If he can get our eyes off of Jesus, his job is well done, you know what I mean? Yes, we have to move from whats in it for me to whats in the heart of God. Then we can pour out love from that place. So agree!
oops, how did that happen? Sorry!!! I’m sure you’ll delete 3 of 4 of my comments.
My site was hacked and I was having this issue with everyone. It’s not you! All is good now. Thank you Mary.
Let it all be about Jesus. Great word, Kelly. May my prayer always be to ignore the show and seek Him alone … above all … with my all.
Let it all be about Jesus. Great word, Kelly. May my prayer always be to ignore the show and seek Him alone … above all … with my all.
Thank you Crystal. Every time, may we just tell ourselves, it is all about him!
Always and all ways – ABOUT HIM!
Amen Susan!
Hi, Kelly! I’m challenged by your post. I think it’s important to know God on our own, in the stillness, because then we will be able to recognize if he is part of the big show or not. I’m your neighbor at Holley’s and I’m in your compel group. Nice to get to know you!
I love that God is getting you thinking on this one. Yes, it is important to seek God in the still places. I love that you are visiting today Kristen! I can’t wait to get to know you more!
Third time in 2 days I’m seeing this similar message. God is speaking to this generation. We’re making churches entertainment venues instead of houses of worship.
Another good word Kelly, thank you! Blessings friend,
Yes, it’s all about him Jana. If we steal his glory, we miss it. Much love!
I think you have such a valuable point about it being about your heart. That is what counts. We should always be aware of where our heart is. Such valuable words today from you!