On My Mind...
Back in 2004, Josh Harris wrote a book entitled, “Stop Dating the Church.” It’s an interesting book. He tells the following parable, Jack and Grace met through a mutual friend. From day one they seemed to be the perfect match. Grace was everything Jack had always wanted. She was beautiful, outgoing, and caring – always there when Jack needed her. For the first five months they were inseparable. Jack could hardly think of anything but Grace. He didn’t need to look further, he told friends. “She’s the one.” Now three years have passed. Jack still enjoys the comfort and familiarity of being with Grace, but the spark is gone. Grace’s flaws seem more obvious. He’s not sure he finds her as attractive as he once did. And he’s beginning to resent all the time she wants to spend with him. Clearly Jack is not ready for commitment…the thing is, Grace is not a girl, Grace is a church.
It hits a little too close to home for some of us. Is your relationship with the church like marriage or it is more casual – like a dating relationship? Is the church something you cannot do without, or do you need your “space?” It’s important but don’t crowd me, don’t expect too much from me? It’s an important question and your response matters. Of course, the church is not perfect. Likely, in your life, there are church members who have hurt you. Churches and pastors have disappointed you and failed you. But the church is the place where imperfect people learn to love one another. The church is the place where we learn to work through our differences and allow the Lord to refine and purify us. It is in the church we demonstrate to the world the power of God to transform lives. Don’t let past failures define the church for you. Don’t let past hurts keep you from the work of God’s grace through His church. Groucho Marx was asked once about a country club that would not allow him into membership. Groucho said, “I’m not sure I want to be a member of a club that accepts the likes of me!” Sometimes, that’s how I feel about the church. The church, the body of Christ is for dirty, rotten scoundrels – well sign me up! I’ve sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and what I deserve is death and eternal separation from the love of God, but the gift of God is eternal life through the Lord Jesus. The church isn’t for perfect people it is for sinners who are in the process of being made righteous through the work of God’s grace in the person of the Holy Spirit.
Has the church failed you? Give us another chance. I can’t promise you that you will never be hurt again. I can promise you the church will not be what it could be apart from you. And, you cannot be all you could be, apart from the church. What do you say? Together, let’s show the world the power of the Gospel.
I look forward to gathering with you this coming Lord’s Day. Have a blessed week, and I’ll see you Sunday.
Rod
It hits a little too close to home for some of us. Is your relationship with the church like marriage or it is more casual – like a dating relationship? Is the church something you cannot do without, or do you need your “space?” It’s important but don’t crowd me, don’t expect too much from me? It’s an important question and your response matters. Of course, the church is not perfect. Likely, in your life, there are church members who have hurt you. Churches and pastors have disappointed you and failed you. But the church is the place where imperfect people learn to love one another. The church is the place where we learn to work through our differences and allow the Lord to refine and purify us. It is in the church we demonstrate to the world the power of God to transform lives. Don’t let past failures define the church for you. Don’t let past hurts keep you from the work of God’s grace through His church. Groucho Marx was asked once about a country club that would not allow him into membership. Groucho said, “I’m not sure I want to be a member of a club that accepts the likes of me!” Sometimes, that’s how I feel about the church. The church, the body of Christ is for dirty, rotten scoundrels – well sign me up! I’ve sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and what I deserve is death and eternal separation from the love of God, but the gift of God is eternal life through the Lord Jesus. The church isn’t for perfect people it is for sinners who are in the process of being made righteous through the work of God’s grace in the person of the Holy Spirit.
Has the church failed you? Give us another chance. I can’t promise you that you will never be hurt again. I can promise you the church will not be what it could be apart from you. And, you cannot be all you could be, apart from the church. What do you say? Together, let’s show the world the power of the Gospel.
I look forward to gathering with you this coming Lord’s Day. Have a blessed week, and I’ll see you Sunday.
Rod