Commitment # 3: Church is not centered on "me"

       The kingdom of God is diverse and yet unified (See Revelation 7:9-10).  Why? Because the gospel changes us.  Instead of thinking about ourself we think of others.  Thom Rainer rightly says "But the strange thing about church membership is that you actually give up your preferences when you join…you are there to meet the needs of others" (34). Listen to what Paul tells the Philippians in 2:3-8

       "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

       Christianity if about being "other" focused.  That is why loving God and neighbor sums up the entire law(Mark 12:30-31).  So why do we get upset when things do not go our way at church? Well, the easy answer is that we are all sinners.  The more detailed answer is that we our idolators of self worship.  We think of our selves first, we care for ourselves first, we provide for ourselves first.  It is bad enough we have this sinful desire to promote self but Americans especially have this individualistic mindset when it comes to how we operate in this world.  Then, we bring this mindset into church with us.  That is normally why churches are either fighting, or they are made up of people who look like and think (practically, not theologically) like us (both being wrong). Read over chapter 3 of "I am a Church Member" and repent of ways that you have had a selfish attitude toward the church (we are all guilty) and prayerfully consider commitment # 3.

First Baptist Church, Oak Ridge

The Third Pledge

I am a church member.

       I will not let my church be about my preferences and desires.  That is self-serving.  I am a member in this church to serve others and to serve Christ.  My Savior went to the cross for me.  I can deal with any inconveniences and matters that just aren't my preference or style. 


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Sign and Date

"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." 

2 Corinthians 13:14