In the November 7, 2011, Christian Science Sentinel, Louise White wrote a short “Church Alive” piece that ended with a revealing thought.
She explained that she was ready to quit as a member of the lecture committee at her branch church because no one came prepared to the meetings except for her. Catching her less than inspired view of her fellow committee members, she prayed to see them in their correct light, and to her delight they all came prepared to the next meeting.
She ended her article with the words, “It…taught me that church is individual. We cannot wait for someone else to change. Each of us includes all the qualities of church. As we each live those qualities, they are shown collectively.”
That is a very empowering truth!
We never need to wait for someone else to change before we can change the world around us.
Think on that one…
How often do you believe progress is at the mercy of someone else’s actions?
Do you wait for a family member to change before your family relations can improve? Do you wait for another at work to change before the office atmosphere can be more pleasant? Do you grumble and complain about members at church?
If so, why? Progress is always individual. As an individual advances, others advance. Collective progress begins with individual progress.
Be the first individual to make the progress! And in this way, you exercise much more dominion over your life and experiences.
What you demonstrate individually will manifest itself collectively. And God is your helper every step of the way.
I remember Louise’s Church Alive blog and that point-to-ponder that she made at the end.
Thanks for reminding me of it; helps prepare me for a big vote at church soon. And helps me see our world and every event in it aright: as one big church, both individual and collective — in my consciousness!
Thank you so much for this. Last night, I went to a Board meeting at church where criticism and negativity dominated. Our family just lost a child, and I really didn’t need to be brought down in the one place that I look for peace, the church. I returned home, pretty sure that I would have to resign. This blog re-set my thoughts. Thank you.
Oh, my gosh – – – what an eye-opener for me, even if I think it’s too late!
I have been like those folks who thought their fellow members weren’t progressing and that I couldn’t continue unless they would contribute something, too!
Well, now I have another opportunity to think better about church. I will keep your quote nearby: “What you demonstrate individually will manifest itself collectively. And God is your helper every step of the way.” Thank you, Evan, for that very helpful blog. sas
This is so helpful,Evan, and so are the comments. We have a very small church community, and I’ve been concerned that many will not come to the Sunday service, December 25th. As First Reader, it is so helpful to see that what I “demonstrate individually will manifest itself collectively.” And, God is my helper every step of the way.
I really needed to see this TODAY and am so appreciative of your thoughtfulness, Evan, and that of all the commenters.
Our church was having trouble finding someone to serve as Clerk, which requires a fair amount of computer work. One church member suggested one of our 17-yr-old Sunday School students who was very willing and able to do the job. This has been an eye-opener to other church members.