02/07/2025
As a pastor, some sundays I am deeply grieved—
I’ll hear complaints that the sanctuary is too hot or cold. That the chairs are uncomfortable. That the service ran too long. The music wasn’t their style. The kids’ ministry didn’t have enough activities. The coffee wasn’t their favorite. There weren’t enough people “like them.” They didn’t feel connected.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, a group of believers gathers in a jungle clearing under pouring rain. They’re singing with joy—no chairs, no sound system, no air conditioning. Just a passion for Jesus.
Somewhere else, underground churches are whispering hymns for fear of being discovered. In a desert village, believers walk miles barefoot for a two-hour gathering around a hand-dug firepit.
No one’s clock-watching. No one’s checking for padded pews. They’re just thankful to be together.
And maybe that’s the real tragedy.
We have more resources than any generation before us—Bibles, buildings, music, budgets. But we are poor in joy. Discontent in our comfort. Numb in a culture of spiritual excess.
We shop for churches like we shop for shoes—style, fit, comfort. But the early church didn’t gather for convenience. They gathered out of desperation. They didn’t need stage lights or skinny jeans. They needed Jesus. And they were willing to face prison or death for the joy of being with other believers, singing praises to the one true King, JESUS!
So while we complain about thermostats, others are risking their lives for Christ. While we sit surrounded by resources, they worship with none.
Maybe the room isn’t too cold. Maybe our hearts are.
Think about it!
☝️
