Are you where you’re supposed to be? Are you doing your own thing, or what God has called you to do? Do you really believe Jesus Christ is Lord of all and the Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18), or do you merely say so?
In relation to where you’re supposed to be, are you at the right church? If you’re not in one, why not? People says things like, “I want to be part of a church that . . .” You fill in the blank. Of course, others say, “I don’t’ need to go to church to be a Christian.” It sounds as if they are more concerned with what pleases them than about what pleases Jesus. 1 Corinthians 12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him. Understand that Jesus has His reasons for where He places everyone. It is His decision to make; not ours. Church hoppers jump from one church to another because they’re looking to please their flesh. Not to be confused with those who are visiting different congregations until they find the right one according to the will of the Lord. The bottom line is that they are determined in their heart to be where the Lord wants to plant them.
Have you left a church, or perhaps you’re thinking about leaving? For what reason(s)? Being offended, or dissatisfied with the way things are done and so on, are not legitimate reasons to leave. They may appear so, but the only reason to stay or go is because the Lord said so. Granted, there may be places which are not exactly what He intended; however, that may very well be the reason He would have you stay. Another purpose is the work He is doing in you. Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. If one has been offended, then perhaps he is at the right place. There may something contrary to the nature of God coming to the surface that needs to be addressed. Frankly, for some, it does not matter what church they attend, they’ll always get offended. That means the problem is with the individual; not the congregation or even the leadership. They may have an underlying agenda that keeps getting in the way. In short, ask Jesus where He wants you, and allow Holy Spirit to lead you.
It can be hard for leadership to see people coming and going, especially for pastors. One thing that might make this easier is simply submitting individuals to the will of the Lord. If they’re called somewhere else, encourage them to obey His voice and bless them as they go. They’re called to go; they’re not leaving you. Contrary to what some might believe, someone is not necessarily “backslidden” because he or she left. In fact, it’s quite the opposite if he or she left out of obedience.
Ephesians 4:1-6 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
