At least, for some of them. As a pastor, I would love to say that 100% of the people in our church are committing to the daily study, small groups, and challenges laid on in the 40 Days. Sadly, it's not happening. Lots of people, many more than I expected, took on the challenge. Others simply did not.
For some, it's just the fact that it's something new, and they're not into anything new. For some, they are just too busy. For some, it's too "out there"- it's just taking the faith too seriously. For others, they just don't want to.
I think about the fantastic celebration we are going to have on the 29th. It will be a huge church-wide celebration of getting through the 40 Days, of completing the challenges and having grown deeper in faith. I wonder what the people that simply opted out will celebrate? Will they have reason for joy on that day? Will they feel left out? Will they look back and say, "I wish I would have participated?"
All of a sudden, I realize that will happen on a much larger scale when Jesus returns to earth (it's the only prophecy in the Bible He hasn't fulfilled yet, although the signs are growing stronger and stronger). The people who committed to Christ, who surrendered their lives to Him, will have the celebration of their lives when Jesus appears. It will be a celebration that will put our church-wide celebration on the 29th to shame. It will be a party like no one has ever seen.
And the people who simply didn't follow Jesus? The people who didn't want a new life, who were just "too busy," who thought following Jesus was too "out there," who just didn't want to? I realize with a sad heart that no matter what I do or say, there will simply be some people, or a great number of people, who will never follow Jesus. I realize with a sad heart that the reasons people give for not committing to participating in the 40 Days of Change are the same reasons people give for not committing to Christ.
As a pastor, I want this for my congregation- to see them all grow deeper in faith, to love God with all their hearts and souls and minds and strength, and to love their neighbors as themselves. I want them to have a living, breathing relationship with Christ. The frustrating thing is that all of that is right there in front of everyone's eyes, and yet some (or most) will never take it. I wonder if Jesus gets as frustrated as I do. Actually, let me rephrase that. I wonder if I get as frustrated as Jesus does.
Before you get too frustrated, think about it this way. Think about how many people are not only attending Catalyst, but ARE participating in the 40 Days. And think of how many of those people that are putting in the effort still probably wouldn't even be in church at all had Catalyst not been available to them. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteYou inspire me, Clay. I know this whole church thing is brand new to you, but you have stuck with it. Sometimes, I think my commitment to Christ pales in comparison to yours. Thanks man- I am so glad you are a part of this church.
ReplyDelete