love.

Being in love is a good thing, but it is not the best thing. There are many things below it, but there are also things above it. You cannot make it the basis of a whole life. It is a noble feeling, but it is still a feeling… Knowledge can last, principles can last, habits can last; but feelings come and go… But, of course, ceasing to be “in love” need not mean ceasing to love. Love in this second sense — love as distinct from “being in love” — is not merely a feeling. It is a deep unity, maintained by the will and deliberately strengthened by habit; reinforced by (in Christian marriage) the grace which both partners ask, and receive, from God… “Being in love” first moved them to promise fidelity: this quieter love enables them to keep the promise. It is on this love that the engine of marriage is run: being in love was the explosion that started it.

-CS Lewis

we just battle ourselves

“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”  —  Mahatma Gandhi

I have been burnt time and time again by church organizations.  I develop websites, shoot photographs and do design work, and I trust churches and church organizations again and again in regards to finances. In the end, I find out that what they preach and what they practice are two different things.  Do I want to wear the name “Christian” and be associated with these people?

On the other hand there are churches and church organizations who are the model clients, bills paid on time, not trying to take advantage of people.  They model Christ in the business world in a way that is pleasing.  I enjoy being associated with these Christians that actually display Christ’s love.

Why does the Church attack itself?  What is the difference?  Why are there differences?

the one thing

The one thing I would say is to never stop God from working on your heart just because you’re up the front leading people in worship.

We often start out on this journey like a broken-down car in need of repair. Most of us want to get the car totally sorted and fixed before we start the journey. But God says, “Start the journey anyway; you’ll find the service stations and mechanics on the way.” As we continue on the way into Him, periodically He pulls us aside and services us, making us more and more like His Son. That’s how this God-life works. But there’s a real temptation when we become leaders to think that simple because we’re at the front leading, our motors are all sorted out and we don’t need any more fixing. Of course that’s not true. Leadership might mean we get to learn some of our lessons out front in public, but it is never an excuse to stop learning and growing.

-the heart of worship, matt redman, page 68