Beyond the “Church Experience”
I was flipping through channels the other night when I landed on one of those singing competition shows. You know the type—aspiring artists performing their hearts out before a panel of celebrity judges. After one particularly moving performance, one of the judges exclaimed, "Wow, you really took us to church!"
I couldn't help but chuckle at the phrase. It's become quite common nowadays, hasn't it? Whether it's a soulful ballad, an impressive guitar solo, or even a particularly passionate speech, people love to say they've been "taken to church." The phrase has come to represent any experience that stirs the emotions or creates a sense of excitement.
But as I pondered this cultural phenomenon, I couldn't help but wonder: Is this what church is really meant to be? An emotional high? A performance that leaves us feeling uplifted for a moment?
Swatting Away the Easy
Oh, the joys of living in the countryside! The fresh air, the rolling hills, the peace and quiet...and the flies. Yes, you read that right. Flies. Those pesky little critters that seem to appear out of nowhere and invade your personal space without an invitation.
Oddly enough, we typically have very few issues with bugs in our area, but with the recent warm weather and fertilizing of the nearby fields, our home has become a fly paradise. They buzz around our heads, land on our food, and generally make a nuisance of themselves. And with no screens on the windows, they have free reign to come and go as they please.
Now, I’m not one to shy away from a good fly-swatting session. In fact, I have several fly swatters on hand at all times, ready to do battle with those little pests. But there's one problem: Tess.
Resting, Not Resigning
I'll be the first to admit that I'm not always the best at taking my own advice. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, and I have a hard time saying no to new projects or opportunities. But recently, I found myself in a place where I just couldn't keep going at the same pace. I was exhausted, both physically and emotionally, and I knew I needed to take a step back and focus on my own spiritual and emotional health.
So, I did what any sensible person would do. I declared that I would continue in my regular roles as a church pianist, Bible study teacher, promotional designer, etc., However, I was taking a break from any new projects or commitments until I felt more like myself again. And that's when the criticism started rolling in.
The Narrow Gate
The other night, I was propped up in the bed, enjoying a cup of tea and a good book, when I heard a strange noise coming from the entryway. At first, I thought it was just the wind, but as the noise continued, I realized it was something else entirely.
I got up to investigate and found one of our sparrows fluttering around in a panic. She had somehow managed to fly into the entryway through a small opening in the sliding glass door, but now she couldn't find her way back out. She kept flying into the glass, over and over again, in a desperate attempt to escape.
As I watched her, I couldn't help but feel sadness and frustration. This poor little bird was trapped in a prison of her own making, unable to see the way to freedom that was right in front of her.
Rooted Downward and Bearing Fruit Upward
“And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward:” - Isaiah 37:31 KJV.
As I reflect on Isaiah 37:31, I can't help but be reminded of the significance of anchoring ourselves in the Word of God. Just as a tree needs strong roots to grow and flourish, so must we be firmly rooted in the truth of God's Word.
When we read, study, and meditate on the Bible, we nourish our souls and allow the Lord to shape and mold us. We also equip ourselves to bear fruit that will last, both in our own lives and in the lives of those around us.