Today over 20 people were killed in a church shooting in Texas. The terrifying truth is that it is something that could have happened in any church across America.
The question that people are asking is "Why?"
At first this writing was meant to go one way, and I think it will still basically be the same, but I felt a leading that events such as these can be discussed within this realm as well. So here we are. (And we will see how this plays out)
There has been a controversial topic among the church in regards to the focus of worship. It is a divide that no one seems to have a real answer for. You see modern worship has been branded into two different categories. One is the "God-centered" worship that no one is sure to argue against. After all our purpose is to praise and bring glory to him. The second is the more debated "Me-centered" worship that includes an apparent focus on "me" or the collective "we". (Here is a good article that explains this in greater detail) Are we attempting to reclaim some of that glory that rightfully belongs to Christ?
After all what have we done that would be worthy of being mentioned among our Savior? That was what I was hoping to speak on while thinking about what this new post would contain. However, allow me to speak in regards to the events of today. What would cause a 26 year old to walk into a small Baptist church and open fire on the congregation? Why does it seem that everyday it becomes easier for people to claim the lives of others?
I think the simplest answer is that more and more we have come to be a people that has our focus on "ME". After all God is love. If our focus remained on Him then our fruits would display that love. There is very little being reported about this shooter yet, but there must have been a reason he chose that church or a church in general. I feel sadness for that community of believers and for the young man who committed this crazy act, who is now no longer living as well.
I know that there is a noticeable difference in my life when I am wrapped up in what "I" have going on, compared to seeking what God has in store for me. It is much easier to keep what I would want at the forefront of my thoughts, than it is to be joyous if I feel God is leading in another direction. It is part of being human I guess, after all the Bible is full of people who had to deal with this struggle.
I apologize if this comes off as negative against many of the songs that the church loves, especially in modern worship. I play bass from time to time in church and I enjoy playing these songs so don't get me wrong. All I hope to do is to cause people to think and spark a conversation. That we would all continually seek guidance as to what is pleasing and proper in the eyes of God.
Perhaps it is an issue of comfort. If our songs and our preaching solely focused on God and His righteousness too many people would feel alienated. After all we cannot live up to that standard. Take this line that always sticks out to me, "And where You are, Lord I am free. Holiness, is Christ in me." Think about that for just a second. Let me share my thought and if I am wrong please let me know.
Simply put it is this, holiness is Christ alone. Period. I have nothing to do with holiness. But man does it make a person feel good to sing that line though. It portrays a belief that we indeed have a role in His glory. We do, but that is not it. Our role is to praise and live in awe of that holiness. Instead here we are placing ourselves in the middle of it.
That is what has gone on with non-believers as well, to a much greater scale. America has fooled people into believing it is all about them. We are seeing the results of that dangerous thinking. We can condemn such acts as believers, that is easy. The more difficult thing is to make sure that we are setting the example for an unbelieving world. If we are seen as being a group of people just as concerned about "me" and stroking our ego are we fulfilling that with which we are charged with doing? (You know sharing the good news of Christ) We are not perfect, but we know the one who is. Let's make sure that we are striving to point others to Him for answers and guidance. If that happens perhaps these types of instances will be limited, instead of growing.
Ask ourselves honestly, are we living and praising in a way that is God-centered, or Me-centered?
#LvLUp
