In examining what it means to be part of the Free Methodist Church, we discover important lessons about inclusivity, humility, and avoiding attitudes of entitlement in church life.
The Danger of Church Entitlement
Throughout church history, there’s been a tendency for people to develop a sense of ownership over certain aspects of church life – whether it’s specific seats, positions, or recognition. In early Methodist churches, people would actually pay fees to rent their pews, creating a system of privilege and exclusion.
While we may not have such explicit practices today, similar attitudes of entitlement can still emerge when we start thinking in terms of “my church,” “my seat,” or “my way.”
What Does Scripture Say About Honor and Position?
The Bible consistently teaches that true honor comes from God, not human arrangements or achievements:
In 1 Samuel 2, Hannah’s prayer reveals that God is the one who “raises the poor from the dust” and “seats them with princes”
Jesus directly addressed the issue of seeking honor in Luke 14, teaching that we should take the lowest place rather than seeking places of honor
He criticized the Pharisees in Luke 11 for loving “the most important seats in the synagogues”
The Call to Radical Inclusivity
Jesus’s parable of the wedding banquet in Matthew 22 provides a powerful model for church inclusivity. The host sends servants to invite anyone they can find – “the bad as well as the good.” This challenges us to:
- Welcome everyone, regardless of background or circumstances
- Let God be the judge of hearts rather than making our own determinations
- Remember our own status as sinners saved by grace
Life Application
This week, consider:
- Are there ways you’ve developed attitudes of entitlement in church life?
- How welcoming are you to those who are different from you?
- What steps can you take to demonstrate greater humility and inclusivity?
Challenge: Make a conscious effort to welcome someone new or different this week. Consider giving up your usual spot or routine to make others feel more welcome.
Questions for Reflection:
- What makes me uncomfortable about welcoming certain types of people into church?
- How can I better reflect Christ’s heart for inclusivity?
- Where might I be holding onto attitudes of entitlement in my church life?