So good! Thank you for sharing your experience and process through navigating these disappointments. It has been my experience lately that in the midst of some church hurt, the assembly I participate in wishes everyone to see the congregation as the one that 'has the answers' and is on the correct side of an argument at hand-lending to the idea that this particular group is indeed a perfect group of Christians, but in light of this reality many hurtful things have been said and confidence has been broken. I know many in the group would argue that we are indeed imperfect, but, the reality is that the impression is constantly given: "we do things right, here in this body." When this is the message, of course we will be heartbroken when let down and disappointed in our fellow believers.
I think there needs to be a big shift in how we speak about our congregations and church groups so that the message is no longer centered on 'how we do things right' but rather how Jesus gets it right! Life's biggest challenge is to not let others' imperfection cast a shadow over the perfection of Christ. I think there are better ways for the church body to aid in this, and it begins with humility. I'm hopeful things will get healthier when it comes to this issue! <3
Yes, I completely agree that there is an "attitude" I guess is the right word that "we do things correctly" i.e. "we are the ones pleasing God" and everyone else isn't...and I like how you point out that Jesus is the one who gets it right!
I will just add in that (and I'm still in the process of writing my article on worship, which is what I feel this is pertaining to in my experience) Jesus actually says that a time is coming when those who bow down, will bow down in spirit and in truth, and God is seeking those who bow down in this way. the English word worship has been put there, but that's not in the Greek.
I hope that once things like this are brought to light, that it will be good. Thanks for the encouragement, I need to finish my research and publish it.
This was a captivating piece from an honest perspective. I enjoyed reading it, dear Sister!
So good! Thank you for sharing your experience and process through navigating these disappointments. It has been my experience lately that in the midst of some church hurt, the assembly I participate in wishes everyone to see the congregation as the one that 'has the answers' and is on the correct side of an argument at hand-lending to the idea that this particular group is indeed a perfect group of Christians, but in light of this reality many hurtful things have been said and confidence has been broken. I know many in the group would argue that we are indeed imperfect, but, the reality is that the impression is constantly given: "we do things right, here in this body." When this is the message, of course we will be heartbroken when let down and disappointed in our fellow believers.
I think there needs to be a big shift in how we speak about our congregations and church groups so that the message is no longer centered on 'how we do things right' but rather how Jesus gets it right! Life's biggest challenge is to not let others' imperfection cast a shadow over the perfection of Christ. I think there are better ways for the church body to aid in this, and it begins with humility. I'm hopeful things will get healthier when it comes to this issue! <3
Yes, I completely agree that there is an "attitude" I guess is the right word that "we do things correctly" i.e. "we are the ones pleasing God" and everyone else isn't...and I like how you point out that Jesus is the one who gets it right!
I will just add in that (and I'm still in the process of writing my article on worship, which is what I feel this is pertaining to in my experience) Jesus actually says that a time is coming when those who bow down, will bow down in spirit and in truth, and God is seeking those who bow down in this way. the English word worship has been put there, but that's not in the Greek.
I hope that once things like this are brought to light, that it will be good. Thanks for the encouragement, I need to finish my research and publish it.