This is the question that Matt Casper asked Jim Henderson in the book, Jim and Casper Go to Church. Casper is an atheist and was traveling to visit churches with Jim Henderson, a retired pastor. The purpose of their visits was to get the reaction of the atheist to what the churches were doing. At the end of their visits, and prior to writing the book, Casper asked Jim this very question, “Is This Really What Jesus Told You Guys to Be Doing?” While I certainly do not agree with many of the ideas contained in the book, this question has not left me.
For many of us today, we have gotten to the point that church is somewhere we go to pay someone (or many someone’s) to do something to us. It is basically seen by many as simply another service we seek (no pun intended). We look at our weekend errands and see things like: 1. Go grocery shopping. 2. Drop off the dry cleaning. 3. Get the computer worked on. 4. Wash the car. 5. Go to church. But isn’t the Christian life supposed to be much more than just being able to check a block off of a list of duties? If it is, then what are we supposed to be doing? Isn’t it good enough to just go to church and give our money? Isn’t it enough to endure a sermon that is longer than I would prefer (and even without complaining!)? Isn’t it enough to say I was there? I mean, many people don’t go to church at all! I have to be better than them, right?
While some people might be able to get away with looking at Christianity like this, I simply am not able. When I think about what God sacrificed to make salvation available to me, I can’t help but thinking there must be more than just Sunday services. What about living a life that shows how grateful I am to Him for doing so? Like Paul in Romans 7, I think, “Wretched man that I am! Who can set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25a) What about learning to live free of the entanglements of sin? What about developing in intimacy with Him? What about seeing Him transform all areas of my life right down to the thoughts and intentions of my heart?
As important as even these thoughts are, there has to be even more, right? I mean, doesn’t God want me to make a difference in His world so that others can know Him as well? Yes, I need to give to support His work, but what about telling my story to people so they can hear about life with Him? What about taking actions to correct wrong? What about alleviating suffering, meeting needs and lifting people up? What about letting my light shine before men so that they give glory to God (Matthew 5:16)? What about making an actual difference (James 2:14-16)?
With all of this in mind, I am challenged to think about the summer that is already upon us. For many of us, this is a time of turmoil and uncertainty as we step away from the routine of school, work and civic activity, but this does not mean that we should shut our hearts down or put our hearts on hold from God. This can be a time when we have additional time to invest in God’s activity in our world. This can be a time that we spend with friends at cookouts and ball games and can provide an excellent opportunity to get to know them and their struggles and do something to help. This can be a time that we can involve ourselves in ministry more than normal. It can be a time when we spend more time in prayer, bible study and devotion to God. Why not take the time, this summer, to make a list of ways you would like to grow in your relationship with Christ and begin now to take steps towards that growth. Who knows? You just might find yourself where you would like to be. And if you are looking for a place to plug in and serve, just ask. There is plenty of ministry for everyone!