Pondering Life - Are we too comfortable?

Are we too comfortable? Written by Bill Robinson

What if God asked us to be weird? What if He asked us to be “flaky”? Would we? I mean, we attend “contemporary” churches that seem to have “matured” beyond the quirky chorus singing, charismatic two-step dancing ways of the early Charismatic/Pentecostal church. We have become normal, “seeker friendly” churches where the unsaved can feel comfortable until they decide whether or not they want the salvation that Jesus has to offer. I guess this is a good thing – or is it?

Are we not supposed to be different? I mean, if our church is so comfortable to the unsaved, why should they feel the need to change? I understand the need to draw people in so that they can hear the good news, but shouldn’t people know that we are different from the rock concerts they attend to get a good feeling? Are only the lyrics to be different?

I am reminded of some prophets in the Old Testament whom God told to do some pretty weird things to get people’s attention. I wonder if God told us to do those weird things, would we? In one of the many churches I have attended recently, I was told about someone who wanted to worship God by waving banners (in the back of the church so as not to distract others). Now in my understanding, waving banners is a form of worship mentioned in the Bible; however, she was told to stop. The reason was not given but she was told, “This will not happen in MY church”. I guess it wasn’t fashionable. Have we become so fashionable or trendy that we will limit true worship? Are we not allowed to dance before the Lord anymore either?

I have studied church history a little and have noticed some trends. Almost every major denomination has had the fire of God present at one time in their services. But we humans have a tendency to not be comfortable in the power or presence of God (where His presence is, His power is also).

Exodus 20: 18-21 – When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die." Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning." The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.

The tendency throughout church history has been to schedule and structure God right out of our services. Oh, it’s OK to allow Him a little time to feel His presence so we still know He is around, but those weird things make us uncomfortable. The gifts tend to be removed because they make “seekers” – or us – uncomfortable. Will the Charismatics/Pentecostals eventually drop the use of the gifts in church services because they make us uncomfortable? Are we too comfortable?

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) – But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.

We are a:
1. Chosen people – PICKED by God to be different
2. Royal priesthood – POSITIONED by God to be different
3. Holy nation – PARTITIONED by God to be different
4. People belonging to God – POSSESSED by God to be different
…so that we may declare the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His wonderful light

Dare we to be different?

Sometimes I wonder…