Ever feel like you don't fit in? You're not alone, everyone feels that way at some point. I have a solution for you, choose to fit in. Don't be fake, don't play games but make a choice to connect. Anything left to itself tends toward decay, even relationships and callings.
As a church member and now a pastor, I have seen too many people come into a church and leave because they didn't "feel" connected. There are certainly lots of factors involved with being connected from the individual to the organization but the ultimate responsibility lies on the individual to make the effort to engage their community. I know, you've tried...well keep trying.
From a Biblical perspective, the church needs you. The church is people so people need you. The world needs you. You don't have the luxury of retreating because of your feelings. The truth is you are a vital part of the body of Christ and without you doing your part, the body of Christ isn't what it needs to be on this planet.
Be for someone what you wish others would be for you
What does the Bible say about your part in the body of Christ?
From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:16
The truth is you're a ligament. You're a very important part of the body of Christ...YOU FIT IN Because God has placed you!! God is building his church on this planet and he needs you involved for it to be complete.
You're not a ligament on deserted island, the body of Christ needs you. Whether it's a church, an organized ministry, a home church, a small group, a band...something, find community, plug in and work together.
Too many folks are not fulfilling their role as a supporting member in the body of Christ for various reasons:
- You got hurt at a church? Find another one.
- You don't fit in? Everyone feels that way.
- You got your feelings hurt? Communicate, don't just leave.
- You don't feel like there's a place for you? Stop feeling that way, it's not true, you're needed!
That seems harsh Clint. I'm really not trying to be. I just have a deep love for Christ's body on this planet and for people in the world who need to hear from God's people.
I realize there is abuse, selfishness and immaturity in our churches. That's because there are people there. Of course we should not stand for abuse and unkindness but at what point do we overcome and step into our part in the body?
If you really think about it, who wants you to feel disconnected from your family? The enemy.
Who wants you to be connected and work together to bring people to the knowledge of Christ? God.
Which one is winning in your feelings of connectedness? Which one is driving your actions and emotions regarding your place in the body of Christ.
I love all my brothers and sisters in Christ. I wish churches were perfect so people could come in, become whole through God's love and launch out into effective ministry toward the world...but that's just not the case. At the end of the day, if you feel disconnected, overcome it by plugging into your community of believers and work together in love rather than look for reasons to validate your emotions and pull people away with you.
I love you. God loves you. People need you. Stay connected with a faith community. Communicate! Give your fellow believers a chance for the purpose of walking in love toward the world.
It's our love for one another that will be a sign to the world that we're Jesus followers, are you contributing to that or allowing it to be stolen from you and the body of Christ?
In this recent sermon I discuss how God is building his church and your part in it.
