A Break Up with Self

This church planting journey often reminds me of a messy "break up."  I've noticed that I and others in our circle have intense relationships with our opinions about church and what makes us feel like a "good" Christian.

I remember breaking up with my old boyfriend in high school. It took me way too long to realize that I needed to do the deed.

I didn't see how I was keeping myself from enjoying my years in high school or taking opportunities to grow. I just went along with what was comfortable, felt secure, made me feel important, and boosted my ego.

When I finally saw that the relationship was actually hurting me, it was almost too late.  I finally made the break, struggling for months to truly give up the habit.

At the time, I felt like I was giving up everything that made my life exciting. Obviously, God has provided me with something far greater than what I had. I now have an amazing husband and six wonderful children!

The same thing happened again recently in a different sense. My exercise routine only included running. After two years of running, I loved it. It felt so good. I was going longer distances, was a little faster and the high afterward would last me several hours. But I was actually gaining weight instead of loosing it!

One day Phil suggested I change my routine. I was pretty mad at him and accused him of robbing me of one of the greatest pleasures of my day. I was so proud of my accomplishments.

But, one article he and I read together suggested that a person might need to "break up" (their term not mine) with their work out in order to make progress with fitness. I was afraid to back off on running and do something else.

Hats off to Phil who had to deal with my anger and was persistent despite my protests! He was right.  I changed my routine and have seen great results. I am just as happy if not happier and more satisfied.

Church planting has been the same sort of experience. We tend to balk at the notion of change, of giving up what we hold dear and in order to do something different. After years of "doing church," we tend to think we have all the answers, can simply continue with the way things have always been done, and out will pop a vibrant Christian community. When presented with new ideas and suggestions about how to live a Christ-like life, we cringe, argue, and call on all our past experience in defense of keeping the status quo.

Perhaps if we took the suggestions, we might "break up" with ourselves, and try something new. The results may include a greater understanding of how we have offended God and a stronger sense of Jesus love and care, or  a stronger sense of community. We might actually experience the joy of seeing someone else come into a relationship with God.

What are your habits, routines, and opinions that could use a good "break up" in order for you to reach new heights of life, love, and grace in your relationship with God and others? I see all of us in our launch team wrestling with that question. I can't wait to see the results!