Thoughts on Compartmentalization

Monday, November 3rd, 2008 | church, comic strip, discipleship, fellowship, ministry, money, pastor, philosophy, prayer, preaching, sermon, service, teaching, tithe, tithing, tradition, worship

Recently I’ve been thinking about compartmentalization… I’ve heard it preached on numerous occasions that we should not compartmentalize our Christian life. Usually the context is by acting one way on Sunday and another on Monday. I totally agree with this concept, out lives should be consistent - we should follow Christ every day, 24/7. However, I wonder if we do not practice what we preach. I looked around at our church life and realized that it is all very compartmentalized. Here are a few comic strips that illustrate my point:

Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t have a problem with a scheduled time to sing, a scheduled time to teach, a scheduled time to fellowship, or a scheduled time to pray… but I wonder if we are not encouraging people to be compartmentalized by making their church life compartmentalized. This is when you sing, this is when you listen, this is when you pray, this is when you give, this is when we disciple, this is when we fellowship, etc. Is it really that much more of a leap to say “this is when you act like a Christian” and this is when it’s ok not too?

2 Comments to Thoughts on Compartmentalization

billy l
December 8, 2008

No comments on this? I didn’t think so. Of course we are encouraged and taught to be compartmentalized. Unfortunately, but just as your comic strip correctly depicts, the church says one thing and contradicts itself by doing so. This is so hilarious to me (not really). Not long ago I sat through a sermon at our big church that told us to stop being around so many Christians and get out among “non-believers.” That’s great. After the sermon was over we were all encouraged to join a small group, come to a special service (at the church, of course), meet for prayer, join a ministry (which operates at the church, of course). The list went on. So your point is well taken in this post, thanks. Sorry if I sound frustrated by all this; but I am.

Lew
December 8, 2008

Billy,

Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting. I think there are a growing number of us who share in your frustrations. With all the time it takes to be in a small group, go to special services, meet for prayer, join in programs, etc., it’s no wonder why Christians have no real “world” impact. I’m sure you agree, that none of these things are bad… but it because very cumbersome to balance disciple-making with “church” stuff.

Thanks again for the great comment… I’m glad someone “got” the strip :).

God’s Glory,
Lew

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