Being a Church That Refuses!

Posted by laurieschroeder on June 8, 2011 under Uncategorized

It is wonderful being part of a church that refuses…

…to sit idle while people in their neighborhood or across the world are hungry, or without shelter, or in prison, or sick and in despair.

…to stay comfortably seated in their nice church building, but instead walk out the doors to live their daily lives as Christ followers.

…to hoard the knowledge that serving Jesus and walking with his people brings a person great joy, in spite of the challenges faced in one’s own life.

The list of ways that Buffalo United Methodist participants “refuse” things could go on, but the words of this wonderful song by Josh Wilson says better than I can what it means to be convicted about  living out our faith:

I Refuse by Josh Wilson:

Sometimes I, I just want to close my eyes, and act like everyone’s alright, when I know they’re not.  This world needs God, but it’s easier to stand and watch.  I could say a prayer and just move on like nothing’s wrong But I refuse.

I don’t want to live like I don’t care.  I don’t want to say another empty prayer.  Oh, I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else to do what God has called me to do myself.  I could choose not to move but I refuse.

I can hear the least of these, crying out so desperately, and I know we are the hands and feet of You, oh God.  So if You say move, it’s time for me to follow through, and do what I was made to do and show them who You are.  

I refuse to stand and watch the weary and lost cry out for help.  I refuse to turn my back and try and act like all is well.  I refuse to stay unchanged, to wait another day to die to myself, I refuse to make one more excuse.  

I don’t want to live like I don’t care.  I don’t want to say another empty prayer.  Oh, I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else to do what God has called me to do myself.  I could choose not to move but I refuse.  I refuse!