Thursday, October 29, 2009

LAMPSTAND

The church was designed to focus light on just one thing - Christ. But when we continually move the lampstand and use it for other purposes -- personal agendas or political ambitions or anything else -- even those outside the chuch can recognize our misuse of the light.

People are constantly asking us what our stance is on certain subjects - asking us (without actually asking us) to move the lampstand a few inches here or there ... "What does the church think about Harry Potter?" ... "What does the church think about children going trick-or-treating?" "What does the church think about Hollywood?" "What does the church think about President Obama?" -- and so on.

And the temptation is to move the lampstand to shine on those other things.

Why do I sometimes get so anxious about things that really don't worry God? I have a real hard time imagining Him up in heaven saying: 'Oh no! It looks like Disney is going to let 'those people' into their park for a special day again. I better get some Christians to go boycott that.'

Instead, I can more easily see God pointing at the lampstand saying: 'Who moved it way over there? Why are you focusing on that? Bring it back over here where it belongs. Show them who I AM.'

As a believer, you can certainly have your personal convictions and opinions, but as far as the church is concerened, don't ask us to wage a battle that God isn't fighting. Don't ask us to move the lampstand away from its rightful position - smack dab where Jesus is.

Because when we move the lampstand, our influence becomes weakened and we make it harder to see what Jesus looks like.

And be blessed.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I like this post. I often have questions about what is right and wrong from God's perspective. But, I think that focusing on the wonder of God is the very best way to bring others to Christ. Bashing others over the head with judgement is not going to work. Just like the sidewalk preacher in your post a while back. Anger and judgement turns people away from our wonderful Abba Father. Sometimes, I really like calling Him Abba (Daddy). It makes me feel a little warm and fuzzy inside. :) It is so nice to know He loves me so much.

LA Nickers said...

Because He is the light . . . and in Him is no darkness.