Spiritual Constipation

[The Simple Plan]

Harsh it may seem but how difficult is it to explain to non Christians or indeed other Christians what Jesus means to you and what your relationship is with him?

Why are so many of us merely satisfied with worship attendance and ritualism or adherence to a man made set of rules?

Why are we so spiritually constipated when it comes to expressing how God works in us?

If for one moment I can (and I include myself in this) fully realise the awesome naure of God in my life and what he has done for me and that my spirituality embraces my whole being, then I can no longer be bunged up, but people can see the joy of the lord overflowing in me.

Or am I too much of an idealist???

Something to think about.

Agape

 

[Blessed-one]

um, something to think about indeed.....
at my church, we don't talk about God's doing in our lives often... but we do talk about difficulties in life during prayer meetings.

 

[Gerry]

Is it difficult to talk about your new car, or your new house? Is it difficult to talk about your new bride or groom or your new baby? Is it difficult to talk about your new job or your new promotion?

No! Of course not! Everyone is MORE than willing! So it isn't a matter of "spiritual constipation" at all. It is far more simple than that. It is a matter of not everyone who attends Church "religiously" is a born again Christian. It is a matter of not everyone who says, "I am a Christian" is in fact a Christian.

It is not difficult for me or any born again Christians I know to speak of Jesus and what he means to me, or us.

As you may guess, as a born again Christian, I do not frequent night clubs and honky tonks. Nevertheless, not long ago I was invited to sing in one, because the group performing there had seen me at a local karaooke night at a Bar B Q Restaurant. The club has a very very bad reputation where there have been many fights and serious injuries, stabbings and shootings and even several murders. I was in a quandry as to what to do, so I asked a very close friend at the time, and was told that if I felt led to go, that I should.

I hate the scene and cannot stand the atmosphere but when the night arrived, I went. I passed out tracts and sang Amazing grace, not knowing if I would be stabbed or shot or just severly beaten and run out of town.
To my amazment when I looked out across the room, I saw a bunch of very rough characters standing quietly at attention, and one of the "biker babe" looking girls started walking across the room towards the stage and when she got there, said to me, "You need some help", and took the mike from me and started to finish the song.

I don't know of any converts that night but I did plant some seeds and according to Isaiah 55:11 God's Word went out and will not return void.
I have not felt led to return to that place, for which I am very grateful, but would not hesitate to go if led.

No it is not the born again Christians who are content with a worship service. It is the pew warmers. The ones who attend because of "tradition, or social status. It is the egotists who are there to perform a job for a "pat on the back".

That is why the Church is the greatest mission field readily available to all Christians.

A year ago, I stood in front of the congregation and said that we should place a new sign over the doors where we exit the building. The sign should say "Entering the Mission Field". That is true, of course, but we should also place one over the Entrance as well.

 

[GraftMeIn]

Wow lots to think about here. Not only should we share our difficulties, but we should share how the Lord gets us through those difficult times.

We need to always be ready and willing to do whatever we are called to do. And just trust that the Lord will open the doors needed to accomplish whatever it is along the way.

 

[Gerry]

Awesome advice!

 

[Annabel Lee]

Gerry, you have no idea what I would have given to be in that club watching you sing, "Amazing Grace".

 

[Gerry]

Originally posted by Annabel Lee
Gerry, you have no idea what I would have given to be in that club watching you sing, "Amazing Grace".

Thanks Annabel! I wish you could have been there. It would have been a comfort to me. I can tell you this. It is not what I choose to do everyday, but it was one awesome experience, I would not trade for anything.

What is really odd is the timing of this post. Arer you sitting down? You won't believe it. Last Night I was invited back to this same club for an encore performance. I had to decline because during practice last night my voice completely went away. I did keep the option open in the event my voice returned, and I still have another six hours but so far the voice is weak and crackly. I sound like a cross between Louis Armstrong and Mel Torme! LOL

Thanks for showing up here with these kind words. Means a lot to me.

 

[SalvoPete]

Well said Gerry!

 

[Gerry]

BTW Annabel, I expect to sing Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art at a VFW Club this Saturday Night. I expect it to be well received there inspite of it all.

Originally posted by Gerry
Thanks Annabel! I wish you could have been there. It would have been a comfort to me. I can tell you this. It is not what I choose to do everyday, but it was one awesome experience, I would not trade for anything.

What is really odd is the timing of this post. Arer you sitting down? You won't believe it. Last Night I was invited back to this same club for an encore performance. I had to decline because during practice last night my voice completely went away. I did keep the option open in the event my voice returned, and I still have another six hours but so far the voice is weak and crackly. I sound like a cross between Louis Armstrong and Mel Torme! LOL

Thanks for showing up here with these kind words. Means a lot to me.