Frustrations

I was talking with a good friend the other day and they were venting some frustrations.

I'm tired of more churches having worship committees than service committees.

I'm tired of people spending more time trying to figure out the best way to praise God and less time trying to find ways to serve God.

I get it; for some people their spiritual life is slightly dependent on what happens between 10am and 12pm on Sunday morning. For some people how close they feel to God is about how amazing a "worship" service is. But don't forget, Jesus never once stops and lectures his apostles about singing songs. He never once tells the parable of the off-key worship leader. Our Christian life isn't about Sunday morning service. I honestly think God is more glorified by the work we do, feeding the hungry, helping the oppressed, being a role model, raising a family, and ministering to the lost than by the songs we sing.

If you think more people will come to your church because of the songs you sing and how good the preaching is I think your nuts. Sure, you may get some people from another church, or people moving into town, but you'll never reach the lost with four part harmony.

I guess I'm kind of frustrated with myself too. About two months ago I decided to start playing ultimate frisbee with a group out at the park. They played on Sunday evening and Wednesday evening. So Mark and I would go out and play. We both saw it as a ministry opportunity. It was sort of a missional move. People started joking with us about skipping church. I guess I got tired of dealing with the flak I was taking for skipping church and quit going to play frisbee. How pathetic.

Paul "now I can get my ticket punched on Wed" Murphy

The last month or so...

Ultimate tournament in Little Rock
Dad bought two horses
Quickly finished fencing in another pasture
Becky C's been in town
Rodeo with Aimee
Rob Bell in Charlotte
USC v Kentucky game (parking and game for $20- I didn't pay for parking)
and lots and lots of school

and lots of good food.


Sorry I just haven't had many thoughts in the last month about stuff.

I am upset that most of the bills on health care come with a penalty for people who don't sign up for insurance. If I don't want health care I shouldn't be penalized for not having it. Jerks. I'm healthy, don't visit the doctor, and haven't been to the ER in 7 years. Did I have the option of purchasing a plan through the school I work for. Sure. Did I take it? no. I'm not dishing out $178/month to not go to the doctor or hospital. And I don't like the government telling me what to do with my money. I'm fine with them taking it and doing what they want, but don't not take it and tell me what I've got to do with it. Terrible.

Paul "Life is good" Murphy