prairiemom

High Maintenance

     The past two weeks have had a lot of extra activity packed into them as I helped prepare for and worked at a vacation Bible School in our town.  Now, I'm ready to put the focus back on my home ministry and catch up on my ironing!

     The pastor's wife and I had put our heads together and sketched four "Old West" type buildings to be used for puppets for the VBS. The pastor did a wonderful job building them from chipboard.  I got them painted and did the lettering on three of them. We had a general store, stable, post office and a church that was identified by its cross.

     I helped with crafts and even took Maria's kindergarten class one day when she was sick. The children were fun and they learned the concepts of salvation thoroughly with the wordless book, where colors represented particular aspects of our relationship in Christ.

     On Friday evening, as we sat at the dinner table, talking about the week's events, Maria mentioned several criticisms of the VBS.

     Her focus was on self rather than seeking to improve the program, so David and I, in effect, said, "Get over yourself, Princess!"

     Her comments revealed some attitudes we will need to deal with  during the summer. Sadly, many adults function with the same poor attitudes in their Christian walks, leaving a wake of destruction behind them.

     We have all dealt with or have been "high maintenance Christians" at some point in our lives.

     High maintenance Christians attend church with a "consumer" attitude. "What's in it for me?" Their focus in on self rather than the Lord.

     Have you been there? I have.

     As a young believer, I went to church each Sunday expecting my needs to be met and was very disappointed when they weren't. Through His Word the Lord showed me that my attitude was all wrong. Jesus set an example of being a servant and that is what he desires of his followers.

     Each Christian is given at least one area of gifting to be used for the good of others. When I repented of my sinful, self- centered focus and went to church looking to serve, everything changed.  I learned that my needs are to be placed at the foot of the cross, where I trust the Lord to deal with them in His way and His timing rather than having unrealistic expectations of church.  To look to the church as the provider of my needs is to make church into an idol.

     God's Word says He gives grace to the humble and stands against the proud. If you're like me, you need all the grace you can get!

     I realized that the Christians who have really impacted me and set a wonderful example are those who are truly humble.  Do you know believers like that? They aren't often in the lime light, preferring to take on jobs others don't want or notice.  They are cooperative, cheerful and quick to praise others for their work.

     Lord, help us to be truly humble servants and please convict us of any areas where self still reigns. Thank You so much. Amen!

Untitled Comment

{ 12:45 , Monday, June 18, 2007 } { Posted by Mickey }

Very thought-provoking post! Thank you! =)