I took my kids to a little restaurant by the house just past noon. Picture a small cafe – the one you'd see in Alice (Mell's Diner). Everyone had just visited their church and now it was time to eat. The small room was very lively with Psalms this and “the bible says...” and most were feeling rather righteous. I can't blame them – it is what they know. We sat near two older women who were discussing the troubles their friend was having and what to do about it. Their conclusion to help her was to get their friend to church more often.
I am reminded the statistics that I have heard through Wayne Jacobson regarding the message that the church teaches today and the importance of walking hand in hand with a loving Father. I hear a lot of rage deep inside a lot of good people. They have lost the excitement when they first discovered Father. Now they settle for working for Him instead of sitting in His lap. They emptiness they now see is masked by ritual they now serve.
I'm not saying that they are horrible people. Not at all. They have the greatest intentions to help lead those who are lost to see the light. What I am saying is that they have become distracted so much so that even the friendships that are developed in the short time that they are at church are superficial and lack any spiritual depth at all. Standing outside the church and chit-chating about how good the sermon was or where are they are going to lunch to 20 of their closest friends does not define a valued relationship.
I can not nor will not be a part of this type of church. I have discovered a freedom in the love of my Father and am very content on discussing the relevance of the referees in the Super Bowl game to my neighbors for now in hopes that one day I may have the chance to tell them about true love. Call me odd or a backslider – in fact call me what you will. I am loved and man's approval mean nothing to me.
posted by Tera @ 3:49 PM
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