My Butterflies Just Don’t Matter

Ephesians 4:11-13
11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Unity. It seems like a distant word these days. Dissention and discord have permeated the body and fractured our focus. But, it’s not the end. On the contrary, it’s a new beginning.

Does it really matter who’s to blame? Do we need to dissect, debate, and analyze the situation until it consumes us? I can’t count the conversations and e-mails I’ve shared with my brothers and sisters over this topic in the last few days.

I have my opinions and have, perhaps, been too quick to share them. I’m guilty of perpetuating the very beast I purport to despise. Are you doing the same?

How many of the lost were not saved this week because our focus was not on them? How many came to our church last Sunday and left disgusted and will never return? Was it just one? It breaks my heart to think about. I don’t speak for God, but I can’t imagine He was well pleased with us on Sunday. I can’t even say he was well pleased with me on the days that followed.

Revolution: A drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving.

Revolution: A single complete turn; an orbit, if you will, whereby we end up right back where we started.

Our revolution is this: We must return to being a church body where the lost become found. Our focus has to be on God, worshipping Him in all we do and demonstrating His love in our daily walk. Our mission must stand up to the scrutiny of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). We must become a “go” church versus a “come” church. This will take leadership and teaching.

To be sure, God has a place and a purpose for each of us. It’s not for us to impose our will on others and it’s definitely not for us to impose our will on God. He calls the shots. Our responsibility is to answer His calling. For some, that will mean leaving. For others, that will mean staying. But we must be sure of what our own personal part is.

Ephesians 4:14-16
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Imagine each part of the body working in unison towards the same goal. Imagine studying the Word of God, living the Word of God, and through our example bringing others to do the same. Imagine a place where the body may join in unison to worship the Living God. Imagine a place where true freedom of worshipful expression reins and where the only limits are scriptural and not man’s opinion. There in lies the revolution.

I’ve come to realize worship is not for me. The butterflies I feel in my stomach when the worship grows deeper and the music gets louder just don’t matter. None of it is for me.

I wonder; does God get butterflies when His children worship Him? Does He get emotional when we love and adore Him? Because it’s for Him we worship. It’s for Him we raise our hands and sing out praises.

The worship style is even less important than my butterflies. If a particular song can capture the heart of someone who is not saved, does it really matter the musical genre? I’m not a dancer; God didn’t create me that way. I don’t even particularly care to watch others doing it. It’s distracting. But, if God can use dance to bring others to Him, then why would we want to stop it?

The body moves in unison towards a single goal. Amazing.

Ephesians 4:25-28
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

In my anger, I’ve sinned this week. I’ve hurt people I consider my closest friends with my harsh words and rhetoric. For that I’m truly sorry.

But, I can’t be sorry about the message. God has put it in my heart to rally his people. There is work to be done and people in need. I can’t ignore the calling.

I’ll say it over and over again. If you’ve been called to go, then you must go and get to work where God would have you work. If you’ve been called to stay, then you must stay and get to work right here – in unity with all your brothers and sisters.

But whether we’re going or staying, let’s quit being like the thief, hijacking our brothers’ grace by perpetuating the rift. We must work, doing something useful with our hands; that we might share with those in need. And there are plenty who are in need.

Ephesians 4:29-32
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Unity. It’s not an impossible dream. We must edify and build each other up. We must set our personal differences aside and work together for God’s glory. Kindness and compassion must rule our hearts.

Something I witnessed while on missions in Mexico was how well we worked together as a team. Our purpose was singular and our focus was where it should be. When people on our team were dropping from the heat, there were always more than enough volunteers to help carry them. I heard such great words of encouragement and love. This must be the key.

At dinner last night, a friend said (I’m paraphrasing), “I don’t know why all the fuss. Churches go through situations like this all the time. God will shake out those He wants to move on. In the end, He will be glorified.” Amen.

My butterflies just don’t matter.

NOTE: The idea for the title of this post came from my wife. She's the most precious gift God has blessed me with. I can't imagine going through life without her! Te quiero mi preciosa.