JESUS and CHURCH?
Do we worship, praise, defend, build up, work for the church or Jesus?
We talk about the church. We work to get people to join the church as if that is the end. Jesus said to teach them “all things”. Paul said his goal was to bring everyone to maturity in Christ. Ours seems to be to get them a ticket on the Heaven bus and the ticket is dispensed by The Church. (Isn’t that a sacrament?)
As a retired pastor, I have to confess that I often served the church. My life and routine were controlled by the church. I know that people say It’s Jesus’ Church so we are serving him through the institution. But…………
Churches have rules, expectations, all of that. I have a book that talks about what a church should expect from its members. It talks about our public behavior. It talks about our service. It talks about our attendance. It talks about our money. I am sure the local Lions Club has a similar list. I know the Rotary Club did years ago when I was a member. If you missed too many meetings you were reprimanded or expected to make up meetings at another club. If you didn’t pay your dues you were put out. Everything in black and white. If you want to be a part of our club, you have to meet our expectations. I know a few churches and pastors who approached church the same way. I suppose that some people like their religion that way. Rules and rituals are easier than relationships.
Somehow It seems to me that Jesus didn’t care for that. He felt it was burdensome. A weight to be carried. A lot of that kind of religion was based on guilt. Jesus came to do away with that kind of religion.
Paul warned about trying to go back to a religion of work based on guilt and rules that created guilt.
I worked hard at church. I got tired.
I worked hard at being good. I failed.
I worked hard at serving others. There was always another need.
I discovered that what Jesus wanted most was for me to share my day with him.
Through his love, Jesus made it all about Grace. Not working. Not being good. Just Grace.
Thank him for that. I need a lot of Grace.
Don’t lose Jesus in busy work at Church. I did at times.