People criticize the preacher, song leader, members or even the Church in general but rarely seem prepared to help solve the issues they complain about. Too often I hear Christians complaining about not being fulfilled after a worship service. Is God here for your entertainment? When did we elevate ourselves to His position and relegate The Almighty Creator to court jester?
As youth, it is easy to be led astray by some of these negative comments and attitudes from the very people who are supposed to be setting a good example. How can we rise above this?
I think of John F. Kennedy's inaugural address where he famously stated, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."
Wouldn't it be great if all Christians had this attitude toward the Church. Wouldn't it be better for us to ask, "What can I do for the Church?"; "How can I serve others like Jesus did?"
There are many ways to get involved. Sometimes just taking the initiative is all it takes. You could offer to make coffee for an older person or maybe you could quietly empty the trash can. It would be nice for someone to hand out the bulletins or maybe even collect the ones left on the pews after service. You don't have to be in the front or behind the microphone to take a leadership role in the Church.
Taking a leadership role helps others in many ways but it also gives you responsibility and purpose. A spiritual maturity begins to grow which overlooks the pettiness and creates value for the congregation. What's really fulfilling is seeing your brothers and sisters benefit from work you've done without anyone knowing. This creates a sense of belonging and an excitement for the Lord's work.
I believe the equation to having actual joy is simple, and possibly the greatest song learned as a child, "J-O-Y, J-O-Y, this is what it means. Jesus first, yourself last and others in-between." The Bible is filled with scriptures about humbling yourself, serving others and putting Him first. The times when we get this equation right brings about literal joy. You feel great, happy and positive. You're more inclined to help out rather than judge others. You find that you're no longer negative, frustrated or depressed. You feel closer to God and more confident in yourself. It's a feeling that makes sense.
Chasing riches, things and glory is all about self and in every case fails. The only thing that really fills that mysterious desire within us is putting Jesus first, others second and yourself last. JOY.
Remember how The Creator got on His knees showing humility and servanthood by washing the feet of His disciples in John13? Remember when Jesus went to the cross in obedience and service to God?
What are you prepared to do?
