In today's busy world, church communities often find themselves caught between simply getting by and truly thriving. One significant issue plaguing modern churches is the tendency to tolerate people rather than celebrate them. This subtle but profound difference can transform congregations, fostering environments where believers feel either marginalized or genuinely valued.
Can You Spot the Difference?
Example of Tolerance: Worship Wars
Imagine a church divided over its worship style—traditional hymns versus contemporary praise songs. This dichotomy, often termed "worship wars," exemplifies tolerance in action. When one group tolerates the preferences of another, there's an implicit sense of putting up with something less desirable. Traditionalists might begrudgingly accept contemporary songs, while contemporary fans might tolerate hymns, each feeling subtly superior about their own preference. This attitude of tolerance can create an atmosphere of division and resentment.
Example of Celebration: Embracing Diverse Worship Styles
Now, imagine the same church, but instead of tolerating each other's preferences, they celebrate them. Traditionalists might appreciate the depth and richness of hymns while contemporary fans get caught up in the energy and emotion of praise songs. In this scenario, there's no need to compare or judge; individuals simply enjoy and celebrate the diversity within their congregation. This attitude of celebration can create an atmosphere of unity and connection.
Tolerance Versus Celebration: A Matter of Perspective
At the core of tolerance lies a sense of superiority and judgment, even if it's subconscious. When we tolerate someone or something, we are saying that our way is better or more acceptable. On the other hand, celebration is rooted in appreciation and acceptance. It recognizes that each individual brings unique gifts and perspectives to the table, and those differences should be celebrated rather than tolerated.
By choosing celebration over tolerance, we shift from self-righteousness and shallow coexistence to love, maturity, and true inclusivity. We move from merely putting up with each other to uplifting and supporting one another in meaningful ways, creating a thriving, compassionate community.
My Personal Journey
For the longest time, I brushed off the importance of being tolerated versus celebrated. Isn't tolerance the basic requirement for coexisting in a diverse society? However, as I delved deeper into my faith and grasped its core message of love and acceptance, I came to the realization that mere tolerance isn't enough. As a Christian, my duty is to honor and rejoice in every individual, irrespective of their differences. The scriptures teach us that we are all made in God's image and are commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). This surpasses mere tolerance; it's a beckoning to revel in the unique qualities and perspectives of each person.
So, how can we discern if our church is merely tolerating its members or genuinely celebrating them? Here are some examples to ponder:
5 Examples of How the Church Only Tolerates People
Worship Wars: As mentioned, begrudging acceptance of different worship styles.
Cliques: Groups within the church that exclude others, tolerating their presence without engaging them.
Tokenism: Including individuals in certain roles to meet diversity quotas without valuing their contributions.
Surface-Level Relationships: Interactions that remain polite but never delve into meaningful connections.
Ignoring Different Perspectives: Dismissing or tolerating different theological or cultural viewpoints without seeking to understand or appreciate them.
5 Examples of How the Church Could Celebrate People
Inclusive Worship Services: Integrating various worship styles and celebrating their unique contributions.
Community Building Events: Hosting events that encourage interaction and understanding among all members.
Valuing Diversity: Actively seeking and valuing diverse voices and experiences within the church.
Deep Relationships: Fostering small groups and discipleship programs that encourage deeper connections.
Open Dialogue: Encouraging discussions around differing viewpoints to foster understanding and growth.
What Does the Bible Say About This?
Scripture calls us to a higher standard of love and community. In 1 Corinthians 12:25-26 (NIV), Paul writes, "So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." This passage urges us toward a celebratory love that honors and rejoices in each other's worth and contributions.
In moving forward, let us heed the apostle Paul’s words in Colossians 3:14 (NIV): "And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Celebration, not mere tolerance, is the pathway to unity. It binds us together in love, creating a community where every member is valued and cherished.
Conclusion
As we challenge ourselves and our churches to move from tolerance to celebration, let's remember the profound impact this shift can have. By valuing each individual and celebrating their unique contributions, we cultivate a thriving, inclusive community rooted in genuine love and maturity. This transformation will not only strengthen our congregations but also reflect the true essence of Christ’s love. Let’s embark on this journey together, creating churches that truly celebrate all who walk through their doors.
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