Critique Culture

Much has been said about our current cultural climate of outrage. This is no doubt an accurate discussion that has identified the destruction of being offended by everything and being in constantly in pursuit of what to be offended by next. With this mindset comes the extreme emotions that leave us fatigued and depressed. When thinking of this issue in how it impacts the culture of the church, it is easy to see its presence among the people of God. I do not believe, however, that this is a new problem. Outrage can also show up in subtle ways expressed in the remarks we use in response to something in the life of faith. As we interact with other believers in our own church or among believers that attend other local churches, it is easy to express discontent in the form of critiques. We may even express discontent in the form of suggestions, which are cloaked critiques. As I ponder the problem with constant critiquing and suggesting among the body of Christ, I can't help but think this does nothing but distract us from who we are and what we are doing. When gathering with fellow believers for worship, or other ministry efforts, our goal is to maintain a focus directed towards the purposes of God. In other words, we are there doing what we are doing not to satisfy our own preferences or the preferences of others. I am there to function and exist as one whom God has redeemed. This means some things are to please God and not to please me. Those who are truly honoring God are only focused on His desires. Every task is for the purpose of honoring God even if I don’t particularly enjoy the process of what I am doing. True service to others for the purpose of honoring God is not distracted by the critiquing of the task. This does take great maturity and discipline in Christ and we must be patient with those that are growing towards maturity. For the faithful, a good thought is “This is not for me to critique, this is for God!”. If the task of the church is in conformity to God’s word, then no matter what I prefer, I can participate joyfully as is honoring to Him! This frees the individual from having to be pleased by the task itself and instead is able to find joy in the outcome of glory being appropriately attributed to God. May we all grow to do all for the glory of God!

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” - 1 Corinthians 10:31