Work Hard

Side Thought:
The most dangerous thing today appears to be living a life of mediocrity. In physical health, mental health, and spiritual health.

Okay, I was getting frustrated this week because it appears some people work harder than others. Feeling treated unfairly, I couldn't help thinking of the parable of the man who complains that his pay should be more since he worked all day and others are getting paid the same amount for working just the afternoon. The story is commenting on heavenly rewards, but can be applied practically. I glorify God with my work. Working hard isn't for me, my boss, or my company. I work hard to out of gratefulness of God's blessings in my life. Solomon said it was good for man to work hard. It is pleasing to God when I work hard. I struggle often when I think that life is hard/unfair and I "deserve better". Society/advertising/culture is wrong. I deserve less and am blessed richly.

Personally Important things in a church

1. Beliefs/Teaching
2. Attitude of members
3. Worship - style, depth, and traditions
4. Outreach 
5. Church Government
6. Age Distribution

I made this list last sunday, while visiting my wife's home church in Jackson. Nikki and I have been searching for a church home in Starkville but can't seem to find one that fits. I made this list to try to quantify something that is very much a non-quantifiable decision. 

Teaching and beliefs are the foundation of a church. I cannot go to a Muslim church to learn about Christ. Ensuring that the church is teaching from the Bible in a manner that is comprehensive is critical in our decision.

The attitude of the members is also important to me. I often feel that if a church is closed minded to anything outside of its historical traditions then it leaves God little room to work. It's almost as if the church is hiding from God and trying to box Him into a controllable container that is always comfortable and safe. The God of the Bible, from what I have read, is neither of those things. His disciples died because of their faith, tortured after living lives of hardship. 

Worship is usually a good indicator of the health of a church. By worship I mean songs, prayer, recitations, etc. done as a congregational body. I come from a church that was going through the motions of worship, trying to put on a show/act instead of being real. I left because I was afraid I would fall into the trap of thinking that that was normal and ok. I want to see the heart of a church as it worships the Lord.

Outreach of the church reveals if the church is inward or outward focused. Facilities and staff are good if they are being used to reach out to the communities and beyond. 

I recently learned a bit about the differences in church government. I have a preference in how I desire church to make decisions and I would like to attend a church that operates in this manner.

Lastly, a good distribution of young and old people would be awesome. The passion of the young can be good but the wisdom of the old needs to be present as well. The presence of both is very desirable in a church.  

Hopefully this isn't sinful to think about all of these things as we choose a church. Obviously, we can't have it all. There is no perfect church because the church is full of sinners saved by grace. That's good. I will fit right in. Please pray for us in this decision...