Greener on the Other Side
The scene
is a common one: a cow with her head stuck through a fence reaching as far as
she can for lush mouthfuls of green grass. In fact, so common is the
sight that a well-worn expression has resulted. We’ve all heard that ‘the
grass is greener on the other side of the fence’. The saying is used
metaphorically to describe someone who is not content where they are – always
looking for something different (better as they see it) just beyond the
confines of their present situation.
Unfortunately,
Christians in a local church are sometimes known to seek the ‘greener
pastures’. They grow discontent with the situation in their own
congregation and see other churches that they imagine are better. This
frequently results in them leaving ‘here’ and going ‘there’ in hopes of finding
something more to their liking.
These folks
typically do not stop to recognize or appreciate the good things where they
are. They seem oblivious to the work and effort of their faithful
brethren, and discount the efforts being made. We would encourage them to
‘stop and smell the roses’ where they are.
Furthermore,
those who are inclined to ‘fly the coop’ most often do so without making any
serious effort to improve the perceived issues in the initial
congregation. All churches have problems – including the one where they
might eventually ‘land’. Mature Christians know this and will not walk
away from a local church without trying hard to help make the needed changes.
Sometimes
leaving a congregation is the right decision – but it is a decision that should
not be taken lightly. A sense of ‘family’ loyalty ought to exist among
spiritual brothers and sisters that will make this a last option rather than a
first one.
‘Greener on
the other side’? Maybe. But if you look around, you might just
realize that you are ‘knee deep’ in a wonderful situation. Think!
- by Greg Gwin
No comments:
Post a Comment