BENEATH THE SURFACE
If you were to ask the average Christian what they want in a church, though the answers may vary, you’ll find beneath the surface one common theme; They want a church that looks like them.
This is especially true when it comes to the younger generation. Please understand I’m not throwing stones. I love my peers. Yet, I am concerned at how often we get tripped up over such insignificant details.
THE LIE OF NOT FITTING
Too often I hear Christians, in my age bracket, talking about “not fitting” in the Church scene to which I must reply, “says who?” How did they come to such a conclusion? It’s actually quite simple. We’ve all done it. They based their “belonging” on superficial issues. They assumed that they can’t fit in with people who don’t look like them, talk like them, or do life like them.
Young saints, can I lovingly remind you of a few things?
Jesus is not a hipster.
He doesn’t wear skinny jeans.
He doesn’t have tats.
He isn’t addicted to coffee.
He has never taken a selfie.
He isn’t looking for a church with lights and fog.
This isn’t a bad thing. He isn’t picking sides between “traditional” and “modern.” There shouldn’t be a divide in Church between the young and the seasoned saints. The truth is, Jesus doesn’t look like American “classical Christianity” either…
He doesn’t dress like a businessman.
He isn’t wearing a suit and tie.
And He isn’t looking for a church with pews and stained glass windows.
Jesus loves the congregation where all wear suits and skirts just as much as the congregation where everyone is in skinny-jeans. One’s not better than the other. He’s not at war with either.
The point is this…God’s plan for the local church is often hindered by God’s people. Many mistakenly believe that God can’t be in anything that doesn’t look like them. There is one major problem with this…
Jesus, unlike us, isn’t into fads. He isn’t trying to be trendy. He’s not building a club, He is expanding the family. We may be moved by the “styles” of our day but Jesus isn’t. We cannot afford to let our differences bring division any longer. It’s time that the hipsters sit next to the businessmen on Sundays. The young with the old. One race arm in arm with another.
Quit making excuses for why you don’t “fit”. It may not all look like you but that doesn’t dismiss your belonging.
NO MORE DIVISION
Jesus is not coming back for a Church that looks like you, He is coming back for a Church that looks like Him. Don’t let your differences bring division any longer. There is a name that is above all styles and preferences and He is looking for people from every tribe, tongue, and nation.
Stop trying to find a church that looks like you and start trying to find a church that looks like Jesus.
Jesus is not coming back for a Church that looks like you, He is coming back for a Church that looks like Him. Share on X
Caleb and Ali live in East Tennessee where they serve at The Lift Church. With boldness and conviction, their deepest desire is to see the church revived and the world awakened. Learn more about The Lift by visiting theliftchurch.tv.
