The (RE)Action is Yours

It has been an interesting couple of hours leading up to my "writing" this post. Nothing serious... just reflective.

As I understand it, your reaction to whatever you encounter in life is a binary one. Positive. Negative.

And while the variance in descriptors used to express those two states of reaction requires a thesaurus, I can boil it down two mental responses:

1) You will be inspired. Perhaps enough to step out and do something great of your own.
2) You will be bummed. Perhaps not to some level of depression, but likely some apparent decline in self-esteem. If only for a moment or two. You might not stay bummed, but you may never feel you can see through to the end of whatever awaits, should you actually act after being inspired.

Someone posted a cartoon on a friend's social media page last night. Upon attaching the cartoon, they stated:
"No pressure, tomorrow."

The cartoon.... the first few rows of a congregation. They were each holding a sign.

• "remember how much I give in the offering"
• "tell me how much I'm going to succeed"
• "tell me what I want to hear"
• "make sure the programs are good for my kids"
• another comment on whether to preach on sin....and 5 or 6 more; just like these.

Churches and church life is changing. Some changes are great. Some churches are experiencing phenomenal growth and making a great impact for kingdom of God and the cause of Jesus Christ.

Other churches are trying to maintain. Changes, whether from trying to "keep up" or just stay afloat, are not well-received.

It doesn't help, as society changes, so do expectations of what church should be, do, offer and fulfill for any one who walks through the doors.

As we pray for church effectiveness and efficiency, both the church and the attendee can react with both states of mind.

Churches can be inspired by others, and make something great for their own with God's help.
Or... they can be bummed by what they're not able to do and continue to struggle.

Likewise, the attendee... can step into a service or church event and be inspired; by the truth of God's word and the community of the body of Christ and figure out what God has in store for their life.
Or... they can be bummed... not worthy of God's love; that they don't have the joy they see in the life of the believer, that their  life, even with Christ, would never change the state of frustration they have in their life now.

Whatever the reaction... we are all not worthy. And we can all do more than what we currently do. Even if that's already more than most others.

We are all a work in progress. God's work. And as long as He's not done with us, then we are; quite simply, not done either.

Pray, this #effectiveSunday... may the truth of God's word illuminate hearts and minds of individuals and churches, alike, to the plans and purposes He has for His people, on both sides of a decision to accept Christ. May we seek God's will, not out of comparison to others, but clarification to self; that it is God  who grants giftings, talents and abilities; that the place in life and the people we find ourselves in community with are what God uses. To reveal Himself. To draw people closer to Himself. To prompt people to realize in greater dimension, their need for Him in their lives.

May the church be inspired to draw closer to God.
May the unsaved be inspired to accept Jesus Christ as Lord & Savior.

For it matters not when we decide to accept Him...ultimately, though, it must before one's last breath.
A guaranteed, unforeseen moment in time awaits. May today be one's day of salvation. For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

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