Stability in the Storms

Why is it in churches we see nearly the same levels of divorce? Why the same percentage of people struggling with depression and other emotional issues? Why almost no difference in the levels of dysfunctional families?

Something is terribly wrong.

I think, in all honesty, the culture of our churches has bred a generation of spiritual infants.

Now, I’m not trying to be harsh so let me explain.

I see people come into a relationship with God so they get involved in a church. They go Sundays, listen to the preacher and go home. That’s it.

So they never grow. It is kind of like watching someone else work out and expecting to get in shape yourself. Not going to work so well.

Then challenges hit and they struggle. They don’t have answers and they’re not sure where to find them.

So they think, “Maybe I need a different church. I need a preacher that gives me the answers to my problems. And I want answers that are quick, easy and guaranteed.”

So they drift off to find the biggest most spectacular church in their city. They think, “Obviously this place must be what I’m looking for.”

The pastor is flashy. He has a beautiful wife. He preaches funny catchy messages. The music rocks. They move the crowds through like clock work. And you come away with a couple of slogans to remember for the week.

Only thing is it doesn’t work. And soon they’re back where they started only worse. Because they think maybe this whole God thing doesn’t work. And eventually they give up completely.

What went wrong?

They missed the point we talked about in the last couple of posts. Pastors aren’t given to build the church but rather to equip each of us to build the church. As we get involved in using our gifts a maturity comes to us and the church.

It’s what Paul promises when he says, “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.” (Ephesians 4: 14 NIV)

Wow. That’s the kind of life I want. When the winds blow I stay strong and stable growing closer to God so I see his answers.

The winds of life will strengthen or destroy us. We choose.  (Tweet)

How has being involved in using your gifts strengthened your life?