Lay Down Your Preferences

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

- Philippians 2:3-4

        As the bride of Christ, the church is called to glorify Him in all that we do.  This means that corporately we are to seek and do those things which God calls us and leads us to do.  In addition to prayer, the way that we determine what God is leading us to do is to lay down our preferences for the purpose of serving others and putting their needs before ours.

Personally, it is often very difficult for us as individuals to identify what our personal preferences are as it relates to the activities of the church.  I can help simplify the beginning of the process for you with an example that is easier to understand.  What type of music do you prefer in a worship service?  Hymns?  Guitars?  Piano music?  Contemporary music?  A full band?  You almost certainly thought “yes” to one or more of those, and “no” to others.  And that’s ok.  We all have our preferences.  I believe that most of our Lakewood members are well-equipped to lay down our personal preference when it comes to style of music, and I can say this with confidence because I have never heard a negative comment about our music.

Now, take this example (music style) and apply it to everything that occurs within the life of our congregation and all of our ministry efforts.  What are your preferences?  What are your opinions?  How do you think that “this or that” should be done at Lakewood?  God has made each of us unique, and we all have different life experiences, so it stands to reason that we will all have personal preferences, and again, that is truly a good thing.  And it is actually ok to speak about your opinions and preferences, if done in a God-honoring manner.  The difficulty comes when something is not done how you prefer, and you must lay down your preference like the verse above from Philippians.  Doing this well takes prayer and practice.  It doesn’t mean that you just remain quiet, and then stew with frustration – that’s a recipe for disaster.  It means that you completely give it over to the Lord, you support the ministry effort anyway, and that you joyfully seek out the interests or preferences of others.

This is a hard lesson.  It is not easily mastered.  But I will commit to continue working in obedience of this verse and ask that you pray for me and encourage me.  I will do the same for you.  Thank you for letting me be your pastor.

Blessings, 

Pastor Bruce

bruce.cullom@gmail.com