God's to do list

I can remember when I first realized that I either could not do or could not remember all the things that I had to do. I needed a way to be reminded. I really don't know who first introduced me to the "to do " list, but my world changed instantly.

I remember getting out the yellow pad, writing " to do list " at the top and beginning to write down those important and even urgent things that had to be done. WOW now I know exactly what I need to do, and the fun was after completion you get to put the coveted check mark beside the completed item.

When did church get that way? We act like God has a big "to do list" for us each Sunday and we proudly come in sit down and begin the task of checking things off the list.

Announcements...check

Opening prayer...check

Singing...check ( not that we really enjoyed the songs or understand what they are saying to God...And we certainly do not want to get emotionally involved..)

Another prayer...check

Scripture reading...check

Sermon...check (hope it was not to long or one that I have heard before...And it would be nice if it dealt with my life and not what my life would have been like in Rome 2000+ years ago.)

More singing...check

Communion...check

Giving...check (even if we don't know or understand the needs of the church or why we are doing it.)

Closing prayer...BIG CHECK.

I have heard that one reason that preachers do not give the "fill in the blank" outlines much any more is because it limits the imagination of people. Well what if we quit printing orders of worship so people would not have a written check list of things to complete each Sunday. I am ready to get rid of the "to do list" and get back to being Spirit lead in our worship to God.

Next time you go to a worship gathering...will you take your list or leave it at home?

Peace.