The title of the R.E.M. song, “Losing My Religion”, has been coming to mind quite often lately—especially as I sit in Sunday morning church services. I looked up the lyrics and the meaning behind the song and learned that “losing my religion” is a Southern phrase for being at one’s wit’s end. It about losing one’s temper rather than losing one’s faith. It actually suits my mood.
My faith has grown over the decades—particularly the last 30 years of my life. In the process, however, my faith in religion has struggled. I think this is the case for many. Unfortunately, for many “losing my religion” means throwing out the baby with the bathwater. (The Jesus pun was unintended, but I like it.)
Mega-churches are so big they have to encourage “small groups” to have “community”. Music and light shows feel more like a (bad) rock concert. Sermons are more about entertainment than conviction. My list of complaints can go on, but complaining is useless without providing solutions. I don’t have a solution to my church problem. I can keep church-hopping, but, frankly, it is as effective as fad dieting. There is, for me, only one option: be less of a “Christian” and more like Jesus.
Jesus didn’t come to start a mega-church—or a small-group church, for that matter. Rather, he came to start a human revolution—to change how we live for others.
If you are like me, join me in focus on being my best today and being better tomorrow. Avoid the tendency for religion to be emotionally-based. Focus on the Spiritual dimension of faith—being other-centered. Don’t think of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) as a “gift”. Rather, treat them as fruit—something to be cultivated and nurtured. Cultivate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Note that few of these are “feel good” blessings. They are other-centered actions.
I am fine with losing my religion if it means I can better love my neighbor and be more impactive in an increasingly troubled world. I want to change. I don’t necessarily want to walk away from church “feeling good”. I am at the point where I want to walk away feeling that my soul has been pierced. I’ve said it before but church should “disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed”. I like it that way.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!