I am increasingly in awe at the way everything in the church turns into a holy war. We argue over worship styles and debate about dress codes and battle over traditions. Even some of the more “progressive” pastors come off like bitter old spinsters, attacking each other over methodology and the “evils” of churches who aren’t doing things the “right” way. Or my personal favorite, those who “compromise”. I wish I could say that non-traditional pastors are innocent of this, but sometimes they’re the worst.
Apparently EVERYTHING associated with church is now black and white. Forget “live and let live.” Forget differing convictions and interpretations. Forget matters of opinion. We’re going to FIGHT, and fight RIGHT NOW! Maybe we do it because we think it’s the best way to show our allegiance to God. Maybe we’re afraid to admit that we’re wrong and someone else is right. Or maybe we’re just too lazy or insecure to have our convictions challenged.
But one thing’s for certain. While we argue over the minutae, the unchurched and de-churched in our culture shake their heads in sad bewilderment. We’ve become so proficient at majoring on the minors that we’ve forgotten what the majors really are. And while they cry out for hope we argue over the color of the carpet.
So I choose here & now to disengage from the rhetoric. Sing Crosby or Crowder. Wear Reefs or Armani. Read 1611 or The Message. Play a Gibson or an organ. Go Purpose-Driven or Progressive.
It doesn’t really matter.
Just shut up and worship already.
A-FREAKIN’-MEN.
Gosh. That blog made me want to shout. I wish everyone “got” it.
[...] seems to be a continuing theme for me (see here), but I think it’s worth repeating. Do your own thing, and let everyone else do their thing. [...]