Jamie said that to me tonight, and we both laughed a little, because we realized how counter-cultural it is. Actually, I said the exact same thing to two girls at work the other night and they looked at me like I had three eyes. "Church? You ENJOY church?! I barely SURVIVE church!"
So I have to wonder a little bit, what is the difference between me and Jamie and these girls at work. Is it the church itself? Or is it more about the heart of the church-goer? Would I feel this same way about Sunday mornings if I called any other church home? Maybe its a combination of the two. I really don't know.
All I know is, I look forward to Sundays! They are like an energy-boost! Seeing so many others who are walking the same walk I am, fighting to be faithful followers (please note the awesome alliteration). Knowing that all of these people are living for Christ in this city gives me so much hope!
I don't mean to say that the music and the message don't inspire me. They do. They intensify my worship, challenge my faith, stir up in me a desire for righteousness. But most Sundays, its the people around me that are the most inspirational.
Last week a man came up to me before service started. I'd met him once, the week before, and to be honest, didn't even remember his name. But he came over, shook my hand, and said, "I want to thank you for the Crazy Love book." He told me about how the book had really spoken to his heart and how excited he was about how God was leading him! What a huge blessing, for this man to share his own inspiration with me! This is the openness of someone who is truly experiencing Jesus!
Another thing I love on Sundays is just watching people interact. We have such a diverse group at IMC, but that never seems to hinder the love our congregation shares for one another. Just last week, watching a young man leave his seat to help an older woman in the congregation carry her breakfast to her table, I had to smile. This is the love Christians are to show one another. This is the Spirit incarnate. We ARE the body of Christ. To see others living that into reality is inspiring, to say the least. I am not always good at loving my neighbor, but my church family reminds me of how beautiful it is to be like Jesus!
God is alive and moving at Indy Metro Church. He is doing crazy things in the hearts of his followers, and inspiring ridiculous acts of love in our city. And I'm pumped about it!
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