A Black Forest Cuckoo Clock strikes midnight; while on the television balloons and confetti fall from the air in Times Square. I turn to my love and scream “Happy New Year!” We laugh and make a toast to good health and then I’m asked, “What’s Your New Year’s Resolution?” I stammer and stutter trying to remember if I kept the one I made from last year, but with a straight face I say, “My New Year’s resolution for 2018 is not to allow negative thoughts from others to keep me from my destiny.”
I didn’t want this year’s resolution to get thrown out with the party hats and trash. I no longer wanted to be inconsistent, and wanted to make a commitment that I would follow through with. I was finally at a point in my life where I needed to stand up and speak my truth, even if it wasn’t politically correct.
It only took three days and I was already being tested. I’d had a new relationship with a church official who sent an email asking that I address all of their officers by titles. Now to be honest, I thought, “Really?” “I just met you, and can barely remember your name, and now you’d like me to address your church leaders not only by their names, but titles too?”
I was truly surprised by this request and needed to remove my hands from the keyboard and step away from the computer so I didn’t respond in haste. I paused, and prayed for a moment. I even checked myself to ensure my ego wasn’t in control. I also needed to determine how strong my convictions were and would it be worth losing potential income over them.
After praying, one of the chapters in my book Knowing Jesus Now came to mind, “Religion Is Keeping My People Away.” I began to think about religious rituals and traditions that often alienate and create barriers for both believers and non-believers. Some people don’t want to be bothered with the politics of the church, and especially if they work in an environment that is politically toxic.
I am not sure what God has in store for me, but I do know I am to break down barriers and not aid in creating them. So, I put myself in a new Believer’s shoes and removed my own. I spoke up against the usage of titles and expressed how hierarchy and other manmade formalities could hinder folks from giving God the praise and worship He deserves?
I wonder how much does God really care about titles. And, I pray that one day such barriers will be removed or church officials will soon see that they contribute to a decline in membership, youth who move away from the church and get involved with secular groups that have no religious affiliations, and create followers who no longer want to participate, and.
Religious institutions should take a look at their rituals, traditions, and customs to ensure their congregations feel a level of oneness and not separation.
How do you feel about titles, traditions, and rituals created by man? Will this structure ever change in our lifetime? Let’s start a revolution this year and make a commitment to be inclusive instead of exclusive.
Join me in not being afraid to speak up and out for truth.