They ask for money.
They want me to get up early on my only day off.
Then they want to keep me all day.
They want me to volunteer my time.
They expect me to come to extra events, bible study and fellowship dinners.
They tell me they miss my kids when they aren’t in bible class.
And they get into my business and sometimes they even invite us over for dinner.
Church just asks too much.
…
Are you reluctant to give more to your church? Do you think if you give more they will expect more? Maybe you are afraid of getting close and letting people see the real you?
It’s just easier to keep a safe distance. So that’s what you do. You offer little. You give little. And you like it that way.
But what if the way you like it isn’t the way God likes it?
God likes it radical.
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47
God likes it intimate.
So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God… God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus. Phil. 1:7-8
God likes it purposeful.
Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Gal. 6:2
God likes it his way.
So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. 1 Cor. 12: 24-27
So the next time you are tempted to hold a piece of yourself back from your church, please let go of the way you like it and dive into church the way God likes it.
His purpose was that all the rulers and powers in the heavenly places will now know the many different ways he shows his wisdom. They will know this because of the church. Eph. 3:10
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