Sheep & Goats

In my mind and in my observation of congregational ministry the Sunday worship is what takes up a major chunk of time and energy for all who participate. For those who are Sunday only-s this is especially true. The broad understandings of what it is to worship, pray, give, and grow are understood through this weekly time. Yet it would be deceiving to understand those things through the lens of Sunday morning.

For many Sunday morning is a time of consumption or perhaps observance. It is not far off to compare it to a free play. Singing along with the songs and paying attention do not necessarily mean you are participating. It is this word that I am interested in. There are those who participate on Sunday and throughout the week. Let us consider the Christian life like a pitcher. For those new and learning they could be seen as being filled up. With perhaps the Spirit, teachings, understanding, wisdom. At some point though it needs to be understood that being a Christ follower is not exclusively about receiving but instead it is also about giving, pouring ones self out. Tipping your pitcher over and letting others be filled too.

There is a spectrum it seems. Receiving and giving are poised on either ends of the spectrum. Likely perhaps even a majority sit on the receiving end. While so few are on the giving end that when such "dedication" is observed they are either snatched up into the professional clergy or heralded as some kind of super-christian. It is as though they are going above and beyond somehow. Certainly they show dedication but should their dedication be so foreign to us? I say no.

We encounter a life that is about more than just worship, or service. We do not just find Jesus in an emotionally charged music service or a moving prayer and sermon. In Matt 25 we find that we actually encounter Jesus when we take care of "the least of these". In my head it is a idealistic notion that I've encountered numerous times from those who have returned from mission's trips. "Oh they ministered to us more than we ministered to them." Is probably the line from every mission debrief I've been witness too. When you minister nearby however you may find people who are ungrateful and hurt more than we know what to do with. Yet it is these too, those that do not give us those warm fuzzies from service that are also Jesus when we serve them.

I encourage everyone to discover the full breadth of the Gospel. Not just the good news that you talk but the good news you live and share. Let your whole life be transformed by this Gospel.