More Than Clicking ‘Like’

I guess “like” buttons have their place in social media, blogs, podcasts and other methods of communication. I pray, though, that I will avoid the temptation to see the various aspects of my church as a place where I can determine whether it meets my needs and gets my “like” affirmation.

• I pray that I will not evaluate the music style in my church with a “like” button. Instead, I pray that I will be grateful to those who give of themselves every week to provide us with worshipful music.

• I pray I will not evaluate preaching in my church with a “like” button. Instead of deciding if the length is best for me and the exposition precisely as I would prefer, I pray that I will be thankful for a pastor who faithfully prepares and preaches a message every week.

• I pray that I will not evaluate the pastoral care in my church with a “like” button. Instead, I pray I will realize fully that we don’t pay our staff to do all the ministry; their primary work is to equip us for the work of ministry.

• I pray that I will not evaluate the order of worship in my church with a “like” button. Instead, I pray that I will demonstrate gratitude that I have the freedom to worship in my church and that I will not be so petty to insist on an order of worship the way I prefer.

• I pray I will not evaluate our church budget and spending with a “like” button. Instead, I pray that I will be grateful for those who give and for a church that seeks to be the best steward of those gifts.

• I pray I will not evaluate volunteers in my church with a “like” button. Instead, I pray I will have a heart of gratitude that they give freely of themselves without pay and most of them without recognition.

• I pray I will not evaluate my church overall with a “like” button. Indeed, I pray that I will not see my church as a place to get my needs and preferences met.

My church is not a social media channel built upon likes and up-and-down votes. My church is built upon the sacrifice and work of Christ. He labored for me. He prayed for me. He died for me. The least I can do is to love his bride, the church, as he loves her. The least I can do is to seek unity and be a source of unity in the church. 

“Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourself united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future” (Eph. 4:1–4).

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This article originally appeared on ChurchAnswers.com and is reposted here by permission. 

Thom Rainer
Thom Rainerhttp://ThomRainer.com

Thom S. Rainer serves as president and CEO of Church Answers and executive director of Revitalize Network. He served for 12 years as dean at Southern Seminary and for 13 years as the president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources. Also a respected researcher and former pastor, he has written more than 25 books, including many best sellers, such as I Am a Church Member. Rainer and his wife, Nellie Jo, have three grown sons, several grandchildren and live in Nashville, Tennessee.