A Disclaimer: God’s Mysterious Sovereignty
God works how He wants to work.
Some scandalous, bizarre, crazy situations have been a part of His plan all along. Some of the most dubious characters have been the means by which He chooses to speak to His people. The discerning spirit is so important so as not to miss God doing His thing when and where He does it, however He does it.
What follows is not to negate this acknowledgement of the Sovereign nature of God.
Young Men Called Because They Are Strong And Realise Problems Are Not Always Someone Else’s Fault
I was sitting and talking with a group of young brothers about the church. I’m 34 and will soon be 35. Some class that as still being regarded as a young man. Those people are usually older than 34 going on 35. I was talking to young men aged from 23-28. When you’re in your 20’s it’s easier to call yourself young with no riposte.
So there we were sitting and talking about the church. As we talked we touched on the subject of why people are not being attracted to following Christ and being a part of the church.
It is not unusual among zealous young men to see a chafing against the old way and a desire to do something new to solve a problem that the old guys brought about. So it was an unusual perspective when we as men rather than looking at others looked at ourselves and considered what the problem and solution might be.
When I thought about it, I shared it with my brothers in Christ, and knew eventually I’d share it with you. By the way, what follows is not the definitive answer from the mouth of God. It’s some reflections based on what I read and what I’ve experienced.
Learning Techniques: A Part Of Life
Growing up in church and attending services at least twice weekly, exposed me to some patterns of behaviour that were easy to mimic. When I got baptised and became an official member of the church, to navigate my way through the services either as an observer or a participant, I picked up the behaviours and techniques around me.
I’m not saying that as a bad thing. It’s how you grow up, isn’t it? You pick up what you see from the folks around you, mix it in with how your personality expresses itself and hey presto – such is life.
In fact the whole thing of learning and applying techniques is apparent through virtually every walk of life. Musicians learn, innovate and apply technique to be successful. Lawyers learn, innovate and apply techniques to be successful. You name it, success is usually based on learning and applying some sort of technique.
The Problem: When Technique Takes Over
The problem comes in when the techniques that are learnt become the crutches we depend on to survive especially in the church. Relationship with Christ is about learning some techniques, but it is also about being open to the authentic move of God’s Spirit that isn’t always restricted to the learnt techniques. In fact if we become too wrapped up with the technique we can completely miss God in the process.
Therein lies some of the problems. Sometimes church services are set up for those who can display their wondrous technique to amaze and delight those who look on. Yet when the hype and sound has faded what we’re left with is the same life, untouched by Christ and actually just waiting for the next hit of charisma that like fizzy drinks titilates the taste bud, but doesn’t actually do anything to quench the thirst that lies deep within.
The story of the sons of Sceva seen in Acts 19:13-16 is a typical example of what happens when we follow techniques, but don’t have a real relationship with the source of true power.
Better Get Real With God
People will come for a performance, disciples will stay because they see the Christ in you and be persuaded that this is indeed of the Spirit of God as the real power comes from real people.
Sometimes the whole church service thing can be a performance and we are watching skilled actors display their well-rehearsed techniques, but what helps to build people in their faith is going beyond on the performer and seeing the real broken vessel amazingly used by God.
Paul didn’t have it altogether. Simon Peter was clearly not the finished article before and even after Pentecost. Yet God still chose to use these men, not because of their grasp on the right technique, but because of their grasp on righteousness found in Jesus Christ.
God’s Power Displayed In Jars Of Clay
Many things may have changed since then, but I don’t the essential principle has. The beautiful Body of Christ is built by the saints being authentic in being the real broken vessels that God uses to display His power. That does not have to be the glamorous and eye-catching all the time, but the impact is unmistakeable, and that can make all the difference in encouraging someone who is struggling and inspiring someone who may not see any point in life.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
dmcd
Life With CD 
Thank you for sharing, and God bless you. I agree wholeheartedly.