Wiping one's bum should be a private thing...

How do you wipe your bum? Don't answer that... it's a rhetorical question. It might even be a philosophical one. And it's one I never thought of reflecting on, because I assumed everyone does it the same way. At least until I started thinking about teaching my kids how to wipe their bums. I only realised that there are different methods to this very private action after I got married and we passed the awkward "going to the loo in front of my significant other" phase. {I'm still awkward about this, btw...} TMI?

Now, even though wiping one's bum is a very private action (and rightly so!) we, as Christians, can fall into the trap of thinking that the same applies for how we do church. In other words, we can easily assume that my church's way of doing things - whether it is style of worship, using liturgy or not, having kids in or out for the Service, etc. - is the best or right way of doing things; or even the only way of doing things. How wrong we are when assume that what counts for or works in our context should count for or work in all contexts!

In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul writes about the different gifts that make up the body of Christ, as a reminder that we all have different gifts, but we're still part of the same body. This is applicable for different churches as well. Here is what he says:

"But God has put the body together, giving greater honour to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it." (1 Cor. 12:24-26 - NIVUK)

This is a reassuring thought to me: God is still in control of His church. He still places people (that's you and I) in the right places, communities and churches to love, to reach out, to welcome and to share His generous gifts freely. He is still building His church, making His body grow, all to the glory of His name alone. And it doesn't look the same in all the places. It doesn't have to.

So what can I do to keep from falling in the trap of isolating myself and becoming defensive about how I do church? Some ideas that works for me:


  1. Tea and biscuits. Visit other churches and be intentional about engaging fully with Christ in whatever way you can, looking to meet Jesus in everyone you meet. It's great to be rooted in a church community, but being open to outside influence is also necessary to build links within Christ's body. You may even get some good tea and biscuits in the deal...
  2. Ears open, please. Communicate with Christians from different denominations and traditions, both listening more than speaking. Being open to listen and hear from Christians with differing views to your own helps to build the bond that makes us "suffer with those who suffer, and rejoice with those who are honoured." It also gives a broader picture of what God is doing and how He is doing it in very specific circumstances. 
  3. Be intentional about humility. Remind yourself that you are not the head of the church (Christ is and always will be) and that you don't have all the answers, insight or knowledge you need to be the head of the church. And if you are ever in a position of church leadership, remember that Jesus expects service from the leaders He raises up, more than knowledge, answers and strength. Serving Christ means serving each other, no matter our differences.
  4. Look out for logs. If you ever find yourself judging a church or people from a church for doing something you disagree with, looking in from the outside, remember Christ's words in Matthew 7:1-5...
In the end it comes down to this: God loves every one of us, and so should we. Wiping one's bum should be a private thing, but being part of the church shouldn't.

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