Silent Observer??

Ever since I can remember I love to just sit and watch people. Even when I was young, I would rather hide or sit back and observe (difficult to believe I know). In the mall, amusement parks, etc. it's fun to see people interact. Have you spent time waiting for someone and just sat and observed? It's funny to see the natural "hierarchy" evolve within a group of people? There always seems to be one who deems himself or herself "leader". This only works if the others comply. I think sometimes people go along with it because it's the easy thing to do rather than create conflict. I think it's the same with my Christian relationships. It's easier to be a "pew warmer" on Sunday morning. We just sit and watch the "Sunday show" then go out, have a big dinner and take a nap. It's easier than getting involved. It's easier than becoming invested. Investing takes time, money, effort and sometimes a leadership role. I have never been one who walked away from responsibility or a challenge, but I have observed some things in the church and I wish I could say things have changed, but people, generally speaking, are the same disappointing creatures unfortunately. Christians are imperfect to be sure, but with imperfection comes the understanding that we are a work in progress and it is actually work that we should be allowing the Lord to do in our lives. Have you ever driven past a construction site that never progresses? A little annoying correct? It just sits there and sits there and there is never any resolution. No one seems to want to take on the project of getting it done. I feel like it's the same in church. Either the person occupying the pew is happy to just show up at church, drop a few bucks in the plate and call it a day, or thinks they are too old and they've "done their time", or just doesn't care. Sad, really. Sometimes it's a little frustrating. When you make a presentation about a missions trip, or talk about a local ministry that needs help you get the nods of approval. "Oh yes, this is a worthwhile cause", or "It's so nice to see someone care". When the rubber meets the road and it's time for action or to put your money where your mouth is, the well wishes are apparently all that there is from this group of people. It all can be a little disconcerting. I think if just 15% of the people that warm the pews would simply take on the attitude that I am not just a pew warmer, but I wish to grow in my relationship with Jesus Christ and make an impact on this world, we could set the world on fire!! I cannot be responsible for anyone else except myself. I wonder how many others care enough about their own relationship with Jesus and those He cares about to do and not just to observe? Lord, help me be a willing participant in what you are doing!! "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth " Revelation 3:15-16