Having grown up in the United States,
I have continually heard many aspects of our culture voiced and expressed
through catchy slogans or trite sayings, that have been present since I can
remember. Above all I have heard one theme, put different ways, but ultimately
leading me down the same disheartening path; “you can be whatever you want to
be” or “if you put your mind to it, you can do it.” While, at first glance, it
seems that these platitudes are encouraging, I believe that they are actually
leading to a social-identity that is not consistent with what God has intended
for our lives; independent, individuality. Paul
admonishes us that we, as Christ-followers, are called to be one body; a community of
believers (1 Cor. 12:12-14).
However, I believe that we are swayed by the common cultural value that our differences are more important than our similarities. Consequently, I see our individuality cutting into our family time, our fellowship time, our worship time, and in every crevice our lives as humans; ultimately we seek the good of ourselves rather than the good of the whole.
It is important that I make a distinction here that individuality remains, as it must, in a community of believers. However, the mindset should always be one focused on the good of the whole, rather than part of it. While each of us has our individual talents and spiritual-gifts, it is important that they are not only used for the good of the community of believers, but ultimately to the glory of God.
As I see individuality winning, as a valued attribute in the culture of the United States, I believe that this value has permeated into modern worship in ways that look identical to our fast food restaurants; we drive in, place our order, and get out as quick as possible. With so much to do, and our priorities seemingly reversed, it seems that the good of the whole is the last thing on our minds and instead we have become fast food Christ-followers. Wait, but if this is how we are, are we really following Christ at all?
I see Christian worship as a Thanksgiving meal, everyone brings a dish (typically their best) to pass, and enjoys the Smörgåsbord of nourishment that the community has set, on one table, for the good of the whole group. So, too, our worship should be to bring the best of ourselves, for the good of the whole, to worship and penultimately to give thanks to God for His providence of grace in our lives.
Consider a few questions for yourself:
1) How has your individuality helped your community of believers? Harmed?
2) How does your individuality affect others' worship practices?
However, I believe that we are swayed by the common cultural value that our differences are more important than our similarities. Consequently, I see our individuality cutting into our family time, our fellowship time, our worship time, and in every crevice our lives as humans; ultimately we seek the good of ourselves rather than the good of the whole.
It is important that I make a distinction here that individuality remains, as it must, in a community of believers. However, the mindset should always be one focused on the good of the whole, rather than part of it. While each of us has our individual talents and spiritual-gifts, it is important that they are not only used for the good of the community of believers, but ultimately to the glory of God.
As I see individuality winning, as a valued attribute in the culture of the United States, I believe that this value has permeated into modern worship in ways that look identical to our fast food restaurants; we drive in, place our order, and get out as quick as possible. With so much to do, and our priorities seemingly reversed, it seems that the good of the whole is the last thing on our minds and instead we have become fast food Christ-followers. Wait, but if this is how we are, are we really following Christ at all?
I see Christian worship as a Thanksgiving meal, everyone brings a dish (typically their best) to pass, and enjoys the Smörgåsbord of nourishment that the community has set, on one table, for the good of the whole group. So, too, our worship should be to bring the best of ourselves, for the good of the whole, to worship and penultimately to give thanks to God for His providence of grace in our lives.
Consider a few questions for yourself:
1) How has your individuality helped your community of believers? Harmed?
2) How does your individuality affect others' worship practices?
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