There is a blog called Skippinchurch.com that has an interesting discussion that I feel quite precisely “outs” what my brain has been thinking the last few years. I posted what was written here because I don’t want you to get distracted and NOT GO to the site.
This is what I read:
Today I ran across a website called Skippinchurch.com and it has inspired me to talk about what I’ve been contemplating.
Lately I’ve become bored with “church as usual”. So often we hear dynamic sermons about moving to the next level in our spiritual walk and walking with power and authority, but as each Sunday goes by nothing changes. So, I find myself waking up (exhausted) on Sunday mornings, forced to go to the “house of worship” (because of tradition), and do the same amount of things I would do as if I were sleep at home: breathe and get stale breath.
I’m not encouraging the “forsaking of the fellowship” as the Apostle mentioned in the Bible — but what is the point of unBiblical traditions? Are we to be bound by the rules of man and condemned by church legalism?
Q. Why must I attend church on Sundays? A. Because it’s the Sabbath. R. But we’re no longer bound under the law, I am free to worship Christ any and everyday of the week, and the Sabbath was made for me — I was not made for the Sabbath.
Q. Why must I wear dressy clothes? A. Because you want to look your best and give your best to God. R. I cannot impress God by my attire. My dressy clothes may very well be messy if I don’t iron them. AND, one pair of my jeans and boots cost more than my entire “church clothes” wardrobe. Are they not worth more? Are they not my best?
Q. Why do you condemn me because I don’t act like you do in church? A. The Bible says make a joyful noise until the Lord! Dance in his presence! Shout to Zion! That’s how you’re supposed to praise. R. The Bible doesn’t give a formula for praise. The church is so busy faking praise and worship that they don’t build a relationship with Christ that can keep them from getting broken during the week. You preach prosperity but are the people prospering? You preach love but you condemn people instead of sin. You preach power but are unable to discern my love for God even if I’m not an extrovert.
I suppose, this entry is just my opinion on tradition in the church, as I see it. Too often we are willing to play the part because it looks and sounds good instead of getting closer to God. I’m on the search for a congregation that’s found on: a) Biblical truth, b) love, c) really living for God (not tradition and not religiosity
Liz: These are really great questions. We need to keep putting them out there. It is particularly great hearing them come from you, knowing your love for the Church and your desire to see the gospel move forward.
Well said Liz. I’m still trying to find a church that holds those three realities.