Playing Church
We’re called to live our lives as citizens of the kingdom of heaven, dwelling here on earth. So why are we filling time with forced fellowship, fake friendship and functions? Like children playing house, creating and fulfilling roles in a self-composed drama, we’ve built elaborate sets and written a script to make it appear like we are doing something real, but really we are just playing church.
What about the real stuff? How are affecting the people around us? We are called to live in the kingdom of heaven here on earth. How would heaven respond to our earthly problems? How would heaven handle hunger? How would heaven handle hurt and pain?
What if we just smiled more? Or shared touch with a stranger? It feels like we go on cruise control or auto pilot when we’re going about our day to day routines, but come alive in the safety of our homes or our church. That life is what we have to learn to share with the world.
We are being selfish when we save best parts of our lives for ourselves. When the girl at the checkout doesn’t even see your eyes, she doesn’t see the hope in your life. As you walk away with your groceries in bags, another opportunity is missed to be the love, to be the light that could have become hers.
Like characters in a script, we speak our lines and perform our actions, but the audience isn’t believing us. In theatre, there is a concept or technique called “breaking the fourth wall,” which is to break from the action and address the audience directly. We’re to draw them in, or better yet, leave the stage and interact with them, becoming immersive.
It’s a lot less about playing a part and a lot more about becoming and believing we are who Jesus has called us to be.
This is a lovely article. Sometimes I believe that attending church is pointless, though whenever I go (and I attend a very genuinely uplifting church) I think to myself these exact same thoughts- it is so much more important to show generosity and love than to go through ritualistic motions. The judgements imposed on us or to others via power-hungry patrons or those in power are NOT what God would want for us. I would rather worship God in loving those around me, whether I know them or not, and especially those most would condemn, than judge others for something I don’t necessarily agree with. I think everyone should think about these things!! :)
Hi Meg,
“I would rather worship God in loving those around me, whether I know them or not…”
This is beautiful! And so true. Thanks!
Travis
I really like & agree with what Meg Torelli said! I am happier that way! & I am attempting to get past the self-imposed guilt from not going to church! With all I know, “Church is inside of me” & all. So thank you Meg! The words you wrote really helped me!
I agree to some extent. My thought would be that it is time to let Christ Jesus be the choreographer of His services and Let His Holy Spirit truly have His way and stop with all the shows and performances that only tickle our eyes and ears and last for a moment. We need God’s power to in dwell His Church which is us and not in buildings made by human hands…..
Though I do see that most of the time we the Body of Christ is trying to please Her husband the best that she can….
I agree with Ronnie that Christ by the power of His Holy Spirit should be the choreographer of services WHEREVER believers gather. Sadly, I haven’t found a group of believers who are unafraid to try this and let the Spirit flow.