By Stephen Zubia, DCA Sunday School Superintendent
I recently read an online article from the President of Oklahoma Wesleyan University that preached harder to the reader than many preachers dare to utter behind the modern church pulpit. Dr. Everett felt prompted to write a response to the overwhelming attitude that is plaguing our society and, I dare say, church culture-the attitude of the victim mentality. “It’s not my fault,” responds the victim, “I cannot be held responsible for this or that action, thought, attitude, or sin!” Sadly, this attitude keeps both the Christian and sinner from living a life of complete surrender to God and His holy will for our lives. It’s much easier to pass blame onto something or someone else.
Consider Dr. Everett’s response to the student who complained about feeling uncomfortable after a chapel service sermon:
“That feeling of discomfort you have after listening to a sermon is called a conscience. An altar call is supposed to make you feel bad. It is supposed to make you feel guilty. The goal of many a good sermon is to get you to confess your sins—not coddle you in your selfishness. The primary objective of the Church and the Christian faith is your confession, not your self-actualization.” (Piper, 2015)
Now if only that same boldness could disseminate from the countless churches that sprinkle the country. If only the message could sink into the heart of the Christian and sinner to the point where we look to the church as more than just a day care of the soul. Let’s throw out the victimized card whenever we’re challenged to live a higher standard in our walk with God. Respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and watch the hand of God work in your life.
It is my hope, as Sunday School Superintendent, that my lessons will put forth such a challenge to those who attend my class-myself included. At DCA, it is our hope that attending our services will result in nothing less than a meaningful experience with God.
This is not a day care. This is a church.
Reference
Piper, D. E. (2015). This is Not a Day Care. It’s a University! Retrieved from Oklahoma Wesleyan University: http://www.okwu.edu/blog/2015/11/this-is-not-a-day-care-its-a-university/
