I'm reminded repeatedly of very good Christians who eventually throw up their hands in sadness and walk away from us. They aren't evil. They aren't lazy. They aren't even belligerent. They're not defiant and they are certainly not rebellious. So what is the reason?
Some wave a silent farewell because they simply can't conclude they are loved and accepted by God. They feel their deep sin has claimed them and there is no hope. When they returned for one more try at church because such had always been an important part of their makeup, they only found more harsh and hopeless condemnation from the pulpit.
This was brought home again as I visited with a precious friend who, today, is so effective in God's ministry. She speaks with life in her eyes about being called by God to share life toward others. She's dynamite! However, there was a time she nearly walked away. She had begun to accept herself as a shameful and cruddy sort. She could find no relief for her guilty and aching heart in the church. True to the church's previous course, there was no good news for her. Fortunately, she began to attend a congregation and heard new terms foreign to her church ears; grace, mercy, compassion, and the Holy Spirit.
Sin is sin. We need our people to know two extremes about sin: ours is personally more awful than we estimate and by the outpouring of God's wrath at the cross, it's more forgiven than our hearts can assume. Forgiveness of sin is the world's greatest scandal and the church's most amazing doctrine! Sin separates us from God; yet, He put His only son where His mouth was. The good news is sinful wretches are to be transformed into elated celebrationists because God paid for what we can't.
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him....II Corinthians 5:21.
May churches signal to the good people who've given up on themselves, their congregation, and their God......Jesus is the way to start life over!
3 comments:
It is sad to admit that such would be "foreign to her church ears; grace, mercy, compassion, and the Holy Spirit".
The unfortunate thing that follows this up is that even though we preach and teach these things, and many have for some time, the average person still feels the weight of condemnation and fear.
James
Terry,
The reasons why some leave the church:
1. Don't feel love of Christ from the members.
2. Don't feel like anyone could careless if they were there or not.
3. Worship isn't inspiring and relevant.
4. Feel judged by other members for sins or lifestyle.
5. We aren't making disciples when it boils down to it.
How can we change it:
1. Love
2. Elders take a pastorial role and concern members within the body.
3. Make worship God centered instead of I centered.
4. Love unconditionally, living out the grace of God to all within the body of Christ.
5. Make disciples of Christ.
Just my thoughts.
Great post brother.
God bless.
That preaches ... though not everywhere ... but that preaches!!! I didn't hear much growing up, but I preach it constantly.
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