genuine

I've been thinking the last few days about being genuine. Of course this word is probably very familiar to you. This word is not new by any stretch of the imagination- especially in the church world. It's one of those over-used words pastors use to describe everything. It's up there with relevant and life-changing. Genuine is one of those words that churches everywhere would use to describe themselves as. "We are a genuine church with genuine values presenting genuine talks through genuine creativity" Meanwhile, they all look the same, their values change to correlate with the current seasons fads, and every sermon series is ripped from LifeChurch.

This word has been on my mind lately, because I think this word should lived out. I'm not talking about being perceived to be lived out. Honestly I could care less if we ever uttered the word genuine ever again. I just want the local church to actually be genuine. Be someone other than what they see other churches being. I feel like we are sacrificing the foundation of consulting with God about who we are and who we reach to appear cool and trendy.

Being recognized for your ingenuity and innovation should not be your goal. God gave the church creativity not to compete and jockey for spotlight, but instead to reach a dying gasping world. I'm glad that churches all across the nation are feeding the poor and spreading the gospel, but sometimes I question the motives. Is it because we genuinely love the Lord and want to do His work, or are we more focused on heightening our popularity and investing in our reputation? If you stretch the truth on Twitter about your Sunday morning numbers or even feel the compulsion to post them every week, I would seriously recommend taking an inventory of your motives. Are you really genuine when you minister? Do you do the things you do to make God famous or you famous?