Ecclesiates
Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher,
vanity of vanities; all is vanity.
I have seen all the works that are done under the sun;
and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.
entries
Sunday, November 05, 2006
-7:40 AM
Prosperity Preaching
There are churches out there that preach, the more you give, the more God gives back to you. But really, who are we to expect anything from God? Is serving God, based on a reward system then? Do you serve/do , so you get blessings from God? How about doing something without expecting anything in return? Isn't that what servitude is?
I think society has brought us up to be selfish people. Everything is really based on a reward system isn't it? You study hard, so you can get good grades, so that your parents will be happy, or so you don't appear to be a loser in the world, so you can get a good job, good pay. You work hard, OT sometimes, so that your boss will see how hardworking you are, and perhaps you can finally get that pay raise you've always wanted, or maybe a promotion. And so you bring that concept into the church. You serve in different ministries, band, the choir, maybe teach a few Bible classes . Perhaps if you served God more, He'll bless you. You'll be a happier, richer,person. Life would be perfect, as long as you're doing His will.
But the God of the Bible looks into the heart of each one of us. Why are we really doing what we're doing? Because no one else does it? Because if we don't we're going to appear unfaithful to the others? If sincerity is what is prized, and lacking in our world today, then shouldn't it be practiced all the more in the church?
It seems that people go to church today to be 'served' . They go to church to get their ears tickled, to be entertained by lively music and performance. It has become a 'ME' service, instead of one being directed to God. If reverence is to be given to God, then it should be given with totality, not robbing God of His rightful worship. Are we there to listen to sermons and to pick and choose what we agree with, and what offends us, even if it comes straight out from the Bible? Are we there to feel good about ourselves?
I understand that our intentions might be good when we take up certain ministries in our local church, and sometimes it can get tiring, and eventually, we do wonder if it's worth it, and would like for once, to be appreciated for it all. God knows our intentions, and our efforts. Let's remind ourselves that we must learn to serve, just as Jesus did, when he washed the disciples' feet. Jesus taught, and performed miracles , healed the sick and did not once ask them to worship him as King. He did not use His authority when the devil tempted him to throw himself off, and let the angels catch him .He did not use that same power to prevent the full extent of God's wrath on himself. He knew He was going to die, He was afraid, but He did it anyway , only because of love. I believe servitude ties along with that; when we are truly concern about another human being .
If we can't do that, let us at least not go to church expecting anything.
