Pastor continued on part two of his sermon series on Bigger last week. One particular question — do you find a church that fits you comfortably or find a church that you’ve to change in order to fit into — struck me for a while, thinking.
His argument was that many Christians sought the easier way out to find churches that suit their mindsets, existing values and lifestyles. He believed that many believers back-slid for many reasons especially when they find difficulty in fitting in, especially when one encountered obstacles — got offended by someone or something. Thing is, I left my church the other time for various reasons too. The passion wearing off; there was a change in my lifestyle; and I couldn’t find myself aligning to the church’s direction.
True enough, my decision to leave the other time suggests a lack of faith, of which I am terribly ashamed of. Then again, does everyone who choose the decision to abdicate from their church-attending responsibilities deserves to don the back-slider label?
Got to know this friend who happens to be the my secondary school mate’s sister. She related that she too left church for reasons like not being able to spend enough time with the family. And her decision to left church wasn’t fueled by anything unholiness or satanic in nature. Instead, it was more because her brother was too involved in church activities — connect/cell groups, worship teams, pastoral and leadership meetings — that she feels the need to be with her parents.
From a simplistic and judgemental Christian’s point of view, she chose family over God. And I bet everyone will start questioning her faith and love for God. Again, being disconnected from a physical church seems to represent a harbinger to becoming a back-slider — something which I beg to differ.
These issues are very real to begin with, and they cannot be discretely categorized under each of the Ten Commandments. Here, the choice lies between choosing first the kingdom of God and honouring our parents. Granted, that one can argue that all the work done in church can satisfy the clause on honouring our parents; however, Christianity banks heavily on the concept of relationship-building and in our adulation for doing works for God, have we overlooked the crucial foundations of our lives — the relationships with our family?
Pastor’s beliefs and sermon were pivoted on the notion that whatever doctrines, practices and values system that the church cultivates and preaches were untainted (or simply, correct) in their entirety. It will mean that in the light of the church’s dissent for its adherents’ military commitments, one will have to agree to this skewed perspective and unset our conviction for national’s duty.
The question leads to another — do we still get to question any particular policy or opinion if the need arises? Is questioning, doubting or even thinking construed as an act of disobedience, non-compliance or deviance should we not accept what is put across to us.