It's the end of a good Sunday service and I'm feeling like my spiritual batteries have been recharged. The pastor extends the invitation for all to join in the fellowship hall for the monthly,"Pot Luck" lunch. Ah! Time to play indigestion roulette again. I start the journey down the hall, knowing "IT" will be in there. You know what I'm talking about. It's the dreaded "HOT DISH"!
Last year I had the opportunity to lead the worship service while our pastor was away. I think he used what must be a term used in the pastor trade. He needed, "Pulpit filler". Kind of seemed like terminology I heard used in the Army. When there was a need you might hear your favorite NCO say, "I need a warm body!". This meant there was a task to be done and the qualifications were that you were alive. Also, the term "cannon fodder" came to mind. Anyway, here was my chance to whip some guilt on the congregation. Pastors shy away from the guilt thing sometimes but I had nothing to lose. I started by asking the congregation a question. "Maybe you can help me. I've been looking all over the place for a member of our congregation that people keep asking for. The members name is apparently, 'Someone'. It would seem this member is very popular and able to multi-task. People keep coming to me with concerns, projects and suggestions. The conversation always begins with, 'Someone' should do this or that project. 'Someone' should tell the pastor something. 'Someone' should start this program. 'Someone' should do something about...................etc." I went on to explain that when I give the person a questioning look and ask if in fact they might be, "Someone", the response is usually "Oh! I didn't mean me! About this time I noticed some uncomfortable squirming going on in the pews. Maybe a guilt seed was starting to take root?
CHRISTIANS SEEM TO BE FAIR GAME
We are at a point where Christian beliefs and values are considered fair game for ridicule and criticism from many elements of the secular world. Much of this trend is agenda driven by the poisonous drivel that is political correctness and socialist ideology. Unfortunately, in many cases instead of confronting the secular world and and it's progressive effort to neutralize faith there seems to be a good deal of apathy.
I can't do that! No way! I've never done THAT before! Oh, I'm not smart enough to handle that project. I've never gone to that area before. I can't speak in front of an audience. Horsehockey!
What you "can't" do is crawl out of that restrictive comfort zone you have built for yourself. This warm fuzzy little place is safe but if you step out of it you might be what? Embarrassed? You might fail? Yes, we don't have to worry, quite as much, in life if we don't do anything that we might not succeed at. How very safe, but dull and unrewarding life can be if we stay within that safe little womb we call our comfort zone.
