Mike Blair Music

“I believe the best way to do church is my way.”  I was told that face to face one day.  And I have had that phrase in my head for the last two months.  And I’ve come to the conclusion that that phrase alone is one of the most destructive forces against God’s plan for our lives.  It builds a false sense of nobility in the practices of a church body.  “My church feeds homeless people every Sunday.”  “My church sings the most passionate songs.”  “My church takes the Eucharist every Sunday.”  “My pastor preaches on the deepest issues.” 

I’m on the level with you for setting time and effort apart for God on Sunday mornings.  But I will respectfully disagree that the way we do things for an hour and a half on Sunday mornings enhances our relationship with God.  When our identities as believers are wrapped in the “how” I think we miss the “why”.  And I mean that beyond “why” we go to church.  “Why” do we pursue this faith?  Do we pursue our walk with God for Eucharist?  Do we pursue our walk with God to feed the poverty stricken?  Do we pursue a walk because of music?  Church should be an outpouring of our own “why”; our own pursuit that we have when we wake up and read the bible or when we spend time investing in the lives of other people.

Another facet of this false sense of pride is that it has us believe we are getting something right.  One of the harshest truths I learned from one of my dearest friends was that we can do no good in the sight of God (Isaiah 64:6).  She would tell me that constantly and it would piss me off.  Cause I wanted to do good for God.  I did.  I still do.  And we use to argue constantly about it.  And I was wrong.  Cause what I think she was getting at was the striving to only do good in God’s eyes.  Cause not only has God redeemed the pasts of those who have chosen to follow him, but the futures of our lives.  And I think when people take a prideful perspective with their church’s practices it is like saying, “We’re cool God.  We got this.”  That sentiment is what takes us out of a position of needing God.

I want to be in constant need of God.  I want to always be wondering, “God, what are you doing?”  And I’m still not okay with that.  Don’t think I really like this.  But I know it is good for me.  I have been comfortable for too long.  Even when I was full of angst about church I was comfortable with God.  I’m uncomfortable and I need him.  When relationships ended I was uncomfortable and I needed God.  I am desperate to be in need of God.  Because I know God is good.  And you can believe that and take it to the bank.

Read the book and chase after God.

All the best,

Mike