Preferences

Yep, we all have 'em! No doubt about it and in essence nothing wrong with it. Until and unless...

What does God Himself prefer? Hmmm... that's the issue for a serious follower of Jesus.

History is clear, from the beginning until now individual professing Christians and entire churches and streams of them have split over various questions of theology, doctrine and practice. Nothing new about this as sad and to some, confusing as it seems.

Some are so narrow they form their own "narrow road" even beyond that of Jesus' statement and meaning about finding life. He indeed said "Few there be that find it". Another deep well to consider.

So in a convo the other day w. a couple believers I asked how a worship gathering had gone as I knew the worship leader had brought a different style to the evening than the "norm".

Years ago I was involved in a discussion about consistency in worship at a particular Sunday service. There were two views, one that the same leader and team would be there every Sunday and the other several teams with different leaders and so forth. Eventually a sort of hybrid was chosen, but- so often people show up either for same-same each week because that's their preference. Others show up when a wider variety is offered.

I think there are good and negative things to be said about both, but of course you can only bring to the table what you have. IF you have many excellent speakers you can change it up but if not, likely one brings the message. Same for worship leaders and teams.

In my view the sad fact is too many of us focus on the delivery and not the content.

We want the message and music to come to us -as we like it- and if not we'll eventually move on to another group or quit attending at all. Again, in my personal view that is literally quenching what the Spirit may be trying to do in our life.

"If I must bear my cross daily, let it be the cross I choose" just doesn't make sense. I have learned so very much by attending services world-wide in a super wide range of fellowships, churches, coffeehouses, communities, jail and prison gatherings and more. Talk about variance of speakers and speaking, worship leading, music and etc., I mean all. over. the. map.!

I've been long convinced it has been a massive blessing for me to see Jesus present Himself through the widest range of His followers in broad and very different cultures. Why?

In my own calling as evangelist and missionary the education and lessons of these experiences have helped me hear, see and understand if not always 100 percent agree with the wide range of perspectives throughout the world and yes, larger church. Would to God more believers wouldn't cement themselves and thus the Good News inside of their personally favored preference/s but sadly, it seems such has often been the case.

Most will say "It IS my choice to belong or separate from this or that group of Christians" and I'd say if one honestly and thoroughly seeks God's view in His Own Word re. whatever the issue, you're correct even if you end up making a wrong choice, it IS your choice... but the issue is not what you or I or any group of us wants but rather again, what to our most honest seeking His mind in His Own Word it seems God wants.

Things to consider the next time a change comes to "upset" your chosen gathering? I think so. Very, very few hills are "worth dying on". When your or my preferences cause division we have little to offer a broken, divided world. Be brutally honest: is it God's preference or your own that actually motivates your relationships in and outside a local church?

Things to consider? I believe so!

As always, thanks for stopping by. -Glenn