joined, they never clapped again). I look around and there are a few smiles, some are holding their own conversations and others appear as the proverbial “bump on a log?.
Is it fear, indifference or complacency that causes this absence of any outward show of emotion? These same people might be seen at a ball game shouting and cheering and completely caught up in the emotion of “the game”.
What makes the difference? Is it a lack of enthusiasm in the sermon or the guest singers? I have seen times when either could be the cause. I have also seen times when neither cause could be found.
Is it the congregation? Have we made church services such a “solemn” occasion that we behave as at a funeral? There is no definitive answer. So! What can we do about it?
For one thing, we must learn the difference between a service; a fellowship; and just being there because we are told we must be there.
In a service, we feel that any emotional response is a disruption of the serenity of the service.
In a fellowship, we experience a freedom. A wish to share. A time to “catch up” on what has happened with our fellow Friends and Christians and how our sharing can help each other get through those everyday trials that life brings.
In just being there, there is no happiness in being at a place you don’t want to be. You can’t wait for it to end so you can go do what you really wanted to do in the first place but, because of guilt and feeling like you have to be there. You cannot be happy, joyous or excited when you didn’t want to be there in the first place. Which one of these scenerios fit you?
I don’t know about you, but I am extremely blessed when I’m around others who are blessed and unashamed. People who are excited about Jesus and the new life that His salvation has brought to them.
Fear seems to be the operative word in the religious phobia which seems to be prominent in the U.S. today. First century Christians were willing to die proclaiming their love for Jesus Christ. We are afraid to wear a cross, or pray openly because it might offend someone, or it may cost us our job. Is your job worth your soul? NO! Is the fear of offending someone greater than the joy of being openly proud of your Christianity and thereby influencing another to want to become a child of God.
According to the Book of The Revelation, we are told that things will get worse. Christians will be persecuted. You will be asked to deny God or be killed. Regardless of which “Rapture” belief you hold, persecution is already here and it is likely to get worse.
Are you ashamed of your salvation? Are you ashamed of being a Christian? Or, are you willing to stand up for the one who saved your soul, even willing to die for Him.
|
