A few days ago the Morning Thought was about running someone off from church; it was titled Avoid Them.
There were a few comments I’d like to bring to your attention.
This one is from Tracy; I attended a church once that made me feel so uncomfortable. The people were very rude and not friendly at all. It was like they didn’t want new people to come to their church. How can Christians act this way?
This comment was anonymous; Randomly visited a church once, and was greeted in the foyer by a large engraved sign that read “Ladies will wear dresses”. That’s all it said – no ‘please’, no ‘thank you’, no explanation at all. I had to wonder how these Christians would greet my always prim and proper Granny who always wore pant suits, or my ‘not so prim and proper’ sister who wore low-cut dresses, and mini skirts ???
Church should be the one place you find compassion, forgiveness, help, and encouragement.
But even the early church had its share of problems; but as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. Those who spoke Greek complained against those who spoke Hebrew, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. Acts 6:1 NLT
The Apostles got involved and the deacon-servant was created.
There was hypocrisy; when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him publicly, speaking strongly against what he was doing, for it was very wrong. When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile Christians, who don’t bother with circumcision. But afterward, when some Jewish friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore because he was afraid of what these legalists would say. Then the other Jewish Christians followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was influenced to join them in their hypocrisy. Gal 2:11-13 NLT
There is no perfect church because there are no perfect people but Christians should take the opportunity to exemplify Christ at all times.
The Bible is clear that the greatest gift is love. (1 Cor 13:13)
Though my church is not perfect, this is a note I received from someone that has returned to the fellowship and family; Coming back to CrossRoads several months back felt so right. I’ve never felt as comfortable or welcomed into a church as I do at CrossRoads. And it’s not just people there at church, it feels like I’m surrounded by family.
Church is the perfect place to improve on your imperfections.
But if you are absolutely looking for an excuse or a reason to leave church, you’ll find one.
So go to church and keep your eyes more on Jesus than you do on others!