We all face turning points in our lives and need to make good decisions. I've certainly struggled with a number of difficult decisions during my Christian lifetime. Because many of these decisions have major consequences for us and the other people they affect, we want to make as good a decision as possible. So, how do we do it? When faced with a serious decision, how do you make that decision? Are there some guidelines or some procedures that will help us?
A few years ago, at a time in which I was heavily involved in my local church, the congregation went through a nasty split. At the time, it was a shock to me. I've since learned, however, that congregational divisions are something that happens regularly. See if any of this sounds familiar.
While we can look at others and see some of the false beliefs in their lives, it's very difficult to see them in our own. Since we too are raised to accept certain beliefs, these beliefs gradually embed themselves into the core of our minds, dictating the quality of our lives, while we often remain blissfully unaware of their impact.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the first century Christians, "About Spiritual Gifts, brothers, I don't want you to be ignorant." But most of the 21st Century church is woefully uninformed about this most important subject. As a result, the church is not nearly as forceful and dynamic as it could be. And individual Christians lead lives that are far less fulfilling and meaningful then they could be.
For much of my Christian life, I've struggled with a difficult and painful image of myself: I was a second-class Christian. No one ever said that to me in so many words, but the practices of the Christian community made it perfectly clear. Those practices have evolved in response to a belief that permeates our Christian culture so deeply that few Christians would ever question it. Unfortunately, the result of this belief is that millions of Christians, like myself, lead lives that are far less productive than God wants. And that means that the Church's influence and impact is light years away from that which it could be.
Many followers of Christ sort their universe into Sacred things, Sinful things and Secular things. We all know what Sacred things are. They are those things that are holy -- the Holy Bible, Holy Spirit, Holy Matrimony -- or, that belong to the Lord -- the Lord's Supper, the Lord's day, the Lord's Table - or, that are otherwise associated in our minds with the spiritual. Missionary work may be spoken of as a "sacred profession" or church related topics as "spiritual matters." Likewise, we know what Sinful things are. They are those things that are not holy, that corrupt a person spiritually. Sinful things are also called "worldly"... which stands opposed to "heavenly," of course.
It is not unusual for people to ask what more they can do for God. When this question is asked by business people, the answer (or at least the clear expectation) is often a new, direct role in their church. Some serve as deacons or elders, "supervising" pastors. Others enter directly into ministry as pastors, youth ministers or other ministry leaders. Based on stories and personal observations, such transitions are rarely successful.
Read Dave’s personal story.
A guide on the side, not a sage on the stage.
A unique expression of God’s love.
Some other resources that may be of assistance:
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