There Is a Reason Life Is a Mess

As a pastor and as a friend, it is troubling to talk to church members and friends that I care so much about and have them report that they feel that: their relationship with God has ended; that God seems a million miles away; that they are in a very dark and lonely place; that their marriage is coming apart at the seams; that they have lost their passion for God and for life.

I hate to see anyone suffer and feel alienated from God and the people in their lives that should be the closest and most important.

Another dynamic in almost every one of these situations it that the people involved have made some monumental choices that have led them to be where they are. At the time they made those choices, the choices seemed inconsequential.

Choices like skipping worship for a family outing or kid's sports or some time away or just some down time. Choices like going out with the girls or the guys instead of hanging out with the spouse or spending time with the family. Choices like taking on another extracurricular activity or buying something extra and having to work overtime to pay for it. Making the choice to get deeper in debt instead of saving to buy whatever caught their eye and then living with the added tension of unpaid and un-payable bills. Deciding that life is too full and tiring to continue to attend Life Group or to continue doing the ministry that God has called them to.

We make small choices that, step by little step, imperceptibly draw us away from the things we need to do to keep our relationship with God and our relationships with the people that matter most in our lives strong and healthy. And then, when everything collapses, we wonder what happened. In almost every case people have failed to follow the very simple plan we, as a church, have given to help maintain a healthy and growing spiritual life. When you are a part of Legacy Christian Church, you are urged to consistently do just four simple things: to follow and exercise four spiritual disciplines. We don't guarantee that life will become problem free, but we do believe it will be better and you will be a stronger Christian. These are those four things.

In an effort to help us give our lives the meaning, purpose and direction God would want for us, Legacy Christian Church proposes that we simplify our lives, live them purposefully and with discipline. At the core of this concept is the idea that we do four simple things (Disciplines) consistently and well.

1. WORSHIP - Spend time each week in corporate worship. There is something powerful and life changing about worshiping God in a Body of Believers.
Jesus said, "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." John 4:23-24

2. PERSONAL QUIET TIME - You are encouraged to set aside a few minutes each day to be with God. This time could include Bible reading, meditation, silence, prayer and listening for God to speak truth into your heart. Personal spiritual growth happens in this time of study, prayer and reflection. We believe each individual believer is ultimately responsible for his or her spiritual growth.
Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place... Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Beth-saida, while he dismissed the crowd. And after he (Jesus) had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray.
Mark 6:31-32, 45-46

3. LIFE GROUP - Everyone is urged to actively participate in a healthy, vibrant Life Group. It is in the intimacy and trust of a Life Group that lives can be changed. In a Life Group we worship, study, share life and do ministry together. A Life Group can be a great entry way for a person to come into the life of the church. In a Life Group life is truly shared, truth can be spoken and accountability partnerships can be formed.
"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:25

4. MINISTRY - All Christians are called to live lives of purpose in serving others. That service can be done in serving follow Christians in the church - we can that ministry. Or we can serve those who do not yet know God, bless them and connect with them to help them come to know and experience God's love.
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself. Galatians 5: 13-14

As someone who cares deeply about you, I encourage you to just do these four things. Please.

Copyright © 2010, William T. McConnell, All Rights Reserved