Scripture That Reads Me: Isaiah 58
There is this odd thing that happens in Scripture. It’s in the book of Isaiah and God tells the people of Israel to have a day of fasting and worship. They all show up to fast and sing, and then God says, “I hate your fasting.” (Isaiah 58)
A little bit of study will show you that God was not schizophrenic. He simply has a terribly consistent view of our hearts and He can see the true motives that live in them.
Just like a request of the people of Israel to not stop by Whataburger on the way to worship, we as church staff, volunteers and pastors have been asked to be excellent. Paul put it like this…
I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me!
1 Corinthians 9:26 (The Message)
However, I have a sneaky suspicion that God may just be saying “I hate your excellence.” It’s that terribly consistent thing again. God did not call us to be excellent for excellence sake, but rather to be excellent for HIS sake.
It seems that our drive to be excellent is killing our effectiveness at reaching people who don’t know Christ. It seems that an increasing number of church leaders today are worshiping an idol of excellence and innovation, and the telling sign of their hearts is that it has become all about excellence.
I am excited to be able to share from my heart on this issue at the National Outreach Convention on November of 4-6, 2009. The NOCTeam is not only one of my ministry partners, but some fine people who put on a fine conference in a fine city. In my breakout, I will discuss the potential impact of this growing trend in our churches and our outreach. If we want to reach our community, we will be effective. If we want to impress them with how cool our church is, we will be excellent. This breakout pleads for a return to the pursuit of Jesus as we engage the people around us.
I have read a lot about this lately and agree with you 100%! We have to make sure that we are connecting with the heart of God in everything we do, especially ministering to others. I went out to Skid Row in LA the other week and prayed with so many people who are so broken and in chains. When I left, I was so emotionally exhausted from being there but God reminded me that I don’t have to try and change them or fight the battle. But God is there to do that for me. Important to reach people with him always speaking through you to others. He will give you strength if you are not doing it on your own. The quiet moments with you and God and what you do in private is really what matters to him! What you do in public is just a reflection of what God is teaching you in your private times with him.