I have Church on my mind. There can be so many frustrations that happen within a church. Sometimes I think to myself, "Why can't everyone have a heart like mine so church wouldn't look this way." I know that I shouldn't be thinking that and I partially write it on here to confess it's a sad way to think. But, I'm tired of the ups and downs of emotions within the body. I believe that we are to help and encourage one another. When I don't see that happening, I see a lot of hurt people running out with walls up threatening to leave.
Leaving. That's another topic. It's like it is this power that we all have. But few, whip it out and use it as a threat. Some actually just do it. Others don't see it as an option because they follow God's voice and not the voice of emotion. If I left everytime I disagreed or got hurt, then I'd be leaving a new church probably every month. So, what makes leaving a church okay? I don't really need an answer because I think I'm fine on the topic. It's just to get others thinking about it. Where does God want you to worship and be used by Him? It's all about Him, so we should just take ourSELVES out of it.
Honesty within a church is another difficult thing for people. How do you feel when someone asks, "How are you?" in the halls of a church? Do you feel "churchy" in your answer? See, I'm the real thing and I feel like I can't be totally real within the building of a church. It's like people won't understand. But, aren't these the people that are learning the same thing I am in the service each week? We are forgiven! We are precious in God's eyes! We are sinners in need of a savior! We live in trials and suffering. Life's not honkey-dory all the time. With all that said I think we all know that gossip within a church is one reason people don't want to share their struggles with other. This is sad to me. Where will they turn if they can't turn to those brothers and sisters in Christ that they meet and grow with each week?
The last thing to ask is this: If church is moreso what I've described than not, then why go? Can't you find people that love the Lord that will grow with you outside of the church building? If people all disagree about worship anyway, then why can't we worship on our own with our ipods at home? Just things I've been wondering about.
Father, I say this brief prayer for those placed in a church that feel pain from it. Would you open doors to allow growth from pain? Would you reveal the work that you are doing that is good and powerful and exciting? I trust You even when things don't make sense. Thanks for giving us freedom to worship you and help us not to abuse that!
