"Go Fish"

Have you ever played the classic card game "Go fish?" I would venture to say that most of us have. It's a great game; easy enough for a child to play but, still somehow remarkably entertaining for adults as well.

Basically you have a hand full of 7 cards and you as the opposing player whether or not they have any of a specific number or face card. If that person has one (or 2) then they have to give it to you. The object being to get 3 of a kind and lay them down until you get rid of all your cards. However, if the opposing player does not have any of the particular card asked for, then they say "Go fish" and you draw a card from the stack of the remaining cards.

Why do I bring up this silly little game?

Well, I'm afraid that much of how church is perceived in America these days is somewhat like the game of "Go fish." People go to one church or another asking, "Do you have any _________________ " (fill in the blank). If not, then they just go fishing for another church. Their focus is not on being the church, or at least a part of a local church, but on what the church has to offer them. This mindset is predominately driven by our consumer culture. We want the latest and greatest thing that will make our lives easier. Church is seen as just another thing that fills our lives for an hour or more a week and if another one comes along that has __________________ (again, fill in the blank) then we pack ourselves up and make the move.

However, this is not what the church is supposed to be. We, the people of God, are the church. We make church what it is. We need to be committed to our local body to its health, growth and vibrancy. We need not be about what the church has to offer me, but how can I be a part of the church and its mission to extend the Kingdom of God in this world. We must be involved in our local church, striving to be of one mind and one spirit (Phil. 1:27b), unified and passionate about what God is doing and how we can get on board.

Therefore, let us consider our attitude towards church and how, if needed, we can change it. May we evermore be seeking a more biblical understanding, especially as it relates to the church. And let us always be quick to admit our faults, accept forgiveness and press on towards Christ and the building of His Kingdom. Otherwise...

"Go fish!"

For His Kingdom!