This blog post won’t win me a popularity contest. In fact, there may be some of my readers who will decide that checking my latest ramblings each week will need to be erased from their to-do list. That’s ok. I don’t write to be popular or to make people like me. I write what God lays on my heart to share and sometimes that is easy…and sometimes it is not.
Some things I am seeing in the Christian community trouble me. I’m sure they aren’t anything new and I’m sure others have witnessed it too. But I’m troubled by the fact that very few are willing to address what they are seeing because, heaven forbid, we just might step on some toes and well, that just isn’t done. I’ve had my toes stepped on so many times they are often black and blue and while it doesn’t feel good at the time, it has been that pain which has often steered me back on the path which God has intended for me.
There just seems to be an overwhelming number of Christians who are being very vocal on condemning the church. Many of these people have been hurt in the church and are now rallying the troops with others who have been hurt and as a result, have given up on the church. They’ve sworn off ever darkening the door of any building because their needs weren’t being met, and they were treated in an ungodly way.
Do I believe they have been hurt? I’m sure they have been. Is that right? Of course not. No one should ever be hurt by his or her fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, but unfortunately it happens. I’ve had it happen to me and the pain it caused was deep and agonizing. And if I’m honest, I’m sure I have hurt others over the years and that is something of which I am not proud.
But does that give me the right to give up on the church? I don’t think it does. While it may cause me to leave a certain building and worship in another building, I don’t believe giving up on the church is an option. For one thing, the four walls that may surround me and my brothers and sisters in Christ are not the church. We are the church. Each one of us who has accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior are the church and to give up on those who make up God’s family is a travesty.
No church is perfect, and I am the first to admit that fact. Why? Because no one who is part of the “church” is perfect. We all make mistakes and at times, we all act in ways which aren’t pleasing to God and that’s why we all need grace. But again, that doesn’t give us the right to give up, throw our hands in the air and decide that the “church” isn’t for us.
Unfortunately, I think the pandemic was a contributing factor to this “condition” and it has continued ever since. For one thing, I’m afraid many decided during that time that they could just watch church at home…whenever it was convenient…instead of going to the actual building. Now please, I understand that some have legitimate reasons for not being able to attend in person. But, I believe there are many others who have had no real reason why they couldn’t attend…they just made the decision that it was easier to stay in their comfortable chair.
What must those who haven’t accepted Christ as their Savior think of our decision to throw the “church” under the bus? Will it make them ever want to have anything to do with becoming a member of Christ’s family? I’m afraid not. People are watching and since all of us make up the “church”, I think we need to begin doing everything we can to be the church. And that means our overwhelming desire needs to be to become a fully devoted follower of Christ who strives to look more and more like Him.
If you have read this far, I think I owe you a thank you. This has not been a feel-good post, but one that I think is timely. Friends, please believe me when I say that I’m not trying to cause more hurt on those of you who are already hurting. My heart grieves for you. I have been in your shoes, and I am SO thankful that I didn’t give up in my search to find a place where, fortunately, the people aren’t perfect. That is a good thing, because if they were, they wouldn’t accept me with all my faults and failures.
If you have given up on the “church”, I urge you to give us another try. If you haven’t totally given up on the “church” but have found it easier to stay in your recliner…I urge you to get up and come worship with us in person. I think you just might be surprised at how much better you will feel after you have worshipped in person alongside your brothers and sisters.
Let’s strive to make sure our focus is not on how we have been treated or on the actions of others. Instead, let’s focus on being the child of God He wants us to be. Then, and only then, will the “church” be alive and well and reaching those who need to know our Jesus.
“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
Hebrews 10:23-25