The Church - part 3 of 12 Steve Nordyke Unrealistic Expectations I have been a Christian for over 40 years. For most of those 40 years (saved during the Jesus People days) the question of whether or not the church (local, not universal) has lived up to it’s responsibility and potential has been a nagging debate. Wrong-headed pastoral leadership and mis-guided democratic influence lead the list of flaws in the church. But right behind those is the problem of unrealistic expectations. Like a newlywed couple with fantasy ideas, a husband or wife often expect things from the other that are unfulfillable. In the same way many well-meaning believers set themselves up for disappointment because of their self-conceived expectations of what the church should deliver. The apostle Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus and expressed his heartbeat that they would come to unity in faith and knowledge of God’s Son and be mature in the Lord, no longer immature like children. (Eph. 4:13-14) Instead of the unrealistic expectation of a perfect church, (impossible with imperfect people) why not consider; - The church as a place of opportunity for fellowship and ministry. - The church as a place where you allow yourself to be challenged to live a dynamic, fruitful life. - The church as a place where people with different opinions and ideas come to be formed by the friction of the “iron sharpening iron” (Prov. 27:17) process. - The church as a place where leaders are respected and sincere believers are honored. and more. The church probably won’t solve your problems, pay your bills or make you happy. But then, that never was her job in the first place. Give the church another try. She’s God’s idea. And a good idea at that!
Posted on: Tue, 23 Jul 2013 14:28:22 +0000
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