There is a world outside the church doors that needs Jesus…there
is an internal “thing” that they are wrestling with that is struggling for
grace, love, forgiveness, purpose – a reconnection with the God who created
them…
What saddens me is that far too often it is the church, the very “Followers” of
Christ that will be the greatest hindrance to them finding Jesus.The greatest threat to the Kingdom of God is not satan – Jesus said to a Follower of Christ (Peter) in Matthew 16:18
“I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.”
So satan cannot overpower the church of Jesus Christ.
SO, what puts the kibosh on a growing , impacting Kingdom of God?
Again – it is the “Followers” that can stunt the growth. The
world knows what the church hates, what the church stands firm against… but
what if they knew what we loved, what we stood firm FOR, what really mattered
to us… what if?????
The Christian band - Casting Crowns – wrote of this very
thing in their song – “Jesus, Friend of Sinners” – and I think we could take a lesson from these lyrics.
We cut down people in your name but the sword was never ours to swing
Jesus, friend of
sinners, the truth's become so hard to see
The world is on their way to You but they're tripping over me
Always looking around
but never looking up I'm so double minded
A plank eyed saint with dirty hands and a heart divided
Oh Jesus, friend of
sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers -
Let our hearts be led
by mercy
It goes on later – “Nobody knows what we're for only what we're
against when we judge the wounded - What if we put down our signs crossed over
the lines and loved like You did”
WHAT IF??? The church
didn’t PLAY church anymore…
WHAT IF??? Followers
of Christ showed mercy and restoration
WHAT IF??? The church
crossed over and loved like Jesus
WHAT IF??? Followers
no longer pointed fingers but held out a hand of mercy
I dream of that… It makes me sad and elated at the same time
– sad that we are not “BEING” this… but elated that it’s possible.
My prayer is that WE, the FOLLOWERS of CHRIST can be what we
are called to be… the BODY of Jesus Christ… Finally in the song from Casting Crowns…
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks Yours
