When Did We Stray from Our Mission?

My wife told me yesterday that the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) online version has added several words including: "selfie" and "phablet" ...

I really didn't have words when she told me this. After all, wasn't the dictionary created to "standardize speech?" Now, rather than providing a guideline for the language, the dictionary is simply doing its best to keep up with popular culture.

However, in doing a little research for this blog post, I found that my initial premise was wrong, but I'm still going to push forward, because I think these thoughts need to be explored. It turns out, the OED's focus is on current English.

The dictionary content in ODO focuses on current English and includes modern meanings and uses of words," he told ABC News. "It's not telling you what the language should be. It's all about how [words] are used. (Christian Purdy, the director of publicity for the Oxford University Press-USA)

So, my premise was wrong for the OED, they are following their mission. But as I said, there is some relevance in my thoughts today.

It seems that the Church has lost its focus. Initially, the church was established as a launching point, a place to come and be refreshed before stepping back into the fray. Early Christ followers literally gave up everything to become disciples.

Peter, James, and John left their family businesses.

Matthew left his profitable business.

Paul left his high place in society.

Many were shunned by family and friends.

Many gave their lives.

So "the gathering" became a place of encouragement, instruction, and hope. Then you returned to your workplace (if you hadn't been fired), to your community (if you hadn't been shunned), to your routine; not simply to exist, but to share the love of God with those around you.

Church was a launching point. It was where the battle plans were drawn. It was a hospital for those who needed life change. And everyone had a part in the plan.

I recently read a quote attributed to Martin Luther King, Jr. while he was in Birmingham Jail that is relevant:

"The early Christians rejoiced when they were deemed worth to suffer for what they believed. In those days the Church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the morals of society."

Today, it seems many churches have become just the opposite. They are intent on self perpetuation, not on an outward focus. They are still gathering places, but members only clubs; not a refuge for those who need the message of the gospel.

Fortunately, there are a growing number of churches who realize the need for change. It is like Jesus said in Revelation 2:4, "You have forsaken the love you had at first." (NIV)

Remember when you first came to salvation? You had so much joy, so much enthusiasm, and you couldn't contain yourself. You prayed and read your bible. You shared what God had done with anyone and everyone. You had been rescued, and the world needed to know of this saving grace.

We each need to return to our first love. We need to gather one day a week to celebrate the wins, to find encouragement despite the losses, and to be refreshed to step back into the fray.

We need to return to our mission: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV)

When did you stray from your mission? And how are you going to get yourself back on track? Share your thoughts below and let's encourage each other today!