Do I help or hurt the Church?

When you attend a Via De Cristo retreat weekend, you receive a little book called the Pilgrim’s Guide in Christianity which includes a variety and prayers and “helps” for your devotional life.  One of those “helps” is called Examination of Conscience.  In case you’re wondering what that is, here’s a definition:

Examination of conscience is a review of one’s past thoughts, words, actions, and omissions for the purpose of ascertaining their conformity with, or deviation from, the moral law.

Recently going over it, I realized that one of the categories listed has to do with the church, so I thought I would share it on the blog this month. The idea is to think about whether you have done, or neglected to do these things in regard to the church:

Have I, By Thought

• Thought of the church as a sect or party rather than as the mystical body of Christ
• Neglected to read or reflect on the Holy Scriptures
• Not held myself responsible for my part in the in adequacy of Christians

Have I, By Words

• Spoken of the clergy as “them” instead of “us”
• Criticized irresponsibly the leadership of the church, both clerical and lay
• Ignored the teaching authority of the church, replacing it with my own authority

Have I, By Acts

• Used church organizations to justify my own personal hang-ups
• Run away from trying to solve the church’s internal problems
• Acted to support the church only when it met my approval

Have I, By Omission

• Not tried to make the church more vital
• Failed to contribute sacrificially for the material needs of the church
• Neglected to pray for those in authority

This list isn’t even exhaustive, but it helps me realize that my support and appreciation of the church isn’t all it could be.  It’s a good reminder to help me strive to be a better member of Christ’s body.  Do you find this exercise helpful or not?  Please let us know.