Thou shalt not bore!
This may not be deep theology nor qualify as the 11th commandment - but it sure is one of my passions and pet peeves!
I deeply beleive that one of the greatest hindrances to people considering Christianity is it's perceived (often accurately) 'boring factor.' One of the greatest disservices we can do for Christ is to make the Christian life boring. Dull gatherings, monotone scripture readings, passionless 'worship,' hum drum daily living, emotionless prayers, uninspiring (uninspired?) sermons and 'bible studies,' all communicate 'this is boring.'
Perhaps we should be praying, 'Give us this day our daily caffeine.' Far too many Christians and churches and leaders need some 'life' in their Christian life. Or maybe we should be spending more time getting daily filled with the fire and life of the Holy Spirit - or do God a favor and stop advertising that we are 'christians.'
God doesn't seem to find passion and exhuberance embarassing (like so many of his followers seem to.) In fact he seems to delight showing up in the middle of it! Just like a child!
posted by Reid @ Thursday, February 22, 2007
2 comments
2 Comments:
Reid,
I was thinking this week how historically some evangelical denominations (like mine) were known more for what they didn't do rather than what they did do. We were the ones that didn't smoke or drink, didn't go to movies, didn't swear, didn't dance,etc, etc. We were the boring ones to those outside. I wish we had been known as the ones who worked at the homeless shelter, who invited the neighbors to supper, the ones who had parties at their church on weekends, the ones who were friendly and smiled...even at church on Sundays. I wish we were the exciting ones. Fortunately I think we are making a very obvious shift. We are more welcoming, more fun, less boring. I'm finally grasping grace and it truly is amazing. It changes my outlook on everything,it makes me smile, it makes me excited ...it at least makes me less boring.
Reid,
I should have added that when you were my pastor...you weren't boring. :-)
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