One size fits all.... or maybe not! (Lent #10)

I took the boys to get their Rugby boots this weekend and after a few attempts we managed to sort them out. I was just reflecting on how they all have different sized feet, so they all need different sized boots. I know it sounds obvious, but I need to say it out loud - "one size would NOT have fitted all 3 of them."

Sometimes we try and fashion our worship services, faith experiences and even devotional habits around a "one size fits all" mentality. This is not going to work. We are a all created uniquely and so we will respond to God in slightly different ways. Of course we can worship in community and still experience the same Spirit of Christ, but how we respond to Jesus will be unique to all of us.

This is perhaps why there are a number of different denominations and styles of worship in the Christian faith. Some of us may prefer contemporary songs, why others enjoy hymns. Some may prefer quieter, contemplative worship, while others like more expressive styles. This doesn't mean that we don't worship the same Messiah, it just means that we don't have to fit into each others 'boots.'

At the end of the day, my boys will all play the game of Rugby, but they will play in their own boots. One size can't fit all...

Job 11:7-10
“Can you fathom the mysteries of God?
    Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?
⁸ They are higher than the heavens above—what can you do?
    They are deeper than the depths below—what can you know?
⁹ Their measure is longer than the earth
    and wider than the sea.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

What's your Creed?

A Creed is simply a statement of faith. The Christian Church has adopted two main creeds over the past 2 millenia - The Nicene Creed and the Apostles Creed - and both state what we believe in as Christ followers. Sadly, churches have misplaced our emphasis nowadays and we are more concerned about what our particular tradition or denomination stands for. Our Christian Creed, has been hijacked by denominational doctrine. We should be careful not to get these mixed up, lest we lose our way.

I love this quote, by Charles Spurgeon, who commented on this particular topic:

"I am never ashamed to avow myself a Calvinist; I do not hesitate to take the name of Baptist; but if I am asked what is my creed, I reply, "It is Jesus Christ."~ C.H. Spurgeon

Whatever Church you worship at, please don't forget that our Creed should always place priority on Jesus Christ. He is the reason for our existence as a church in the first place.

Living in Grace
D3LM3