Overcoming TimiditySample

Timidity in Church

Here in America, our daily lives are so busy that we’re used to planning out our days. We have to wake up at a certain time, get to work, run errands, pick up kids, make dinner, do dishes, laundry, and try to fit some “Jesus time” in there, too. When Sunday comes around and we head to church, it’s easy to try to schedule our Sunday experience. 

Sometimes, we can treat church less like an experience with God and more like a scheduled activity. Some people park in the same parking spot, say hello to the same people, sit in the same pew, stand when told during worship, and pray when the pastor tells them to. We can become timid in church because we choose to check the boxes instead of desiring the presence of God.

My goal for this year is to get outside of my comfort zone in church. I pray before I go into worship to prepare myself for the presence of God. I make myself talk to someone who is new. I leave my Sunday habits behind and let God take control. I want to be nothing more than a vessel for my creator to use to do His work. When my life on Earth comes to an end I don’t want to be a Christian who walked through the motions. Hopefully you don’t either! God has huge plans for you. Don’t miss out on them because you’re timidly checking the boxes.

Focus: Today, think about ways you can step outside of your comfort zone at church! Think about the things you normally do at church where you’re on “auto-pilot.” Talk to someone new, sit somewhere different, volunteer, or ask to pray with a stranger. Write down one or two things you would like to do outside of your comfort zone at church and give one a try this Sunday!