Most people don’t see church the way I do. And somedays that is a good thing. But many times it is a bad thing. It is a good thing because most people haven’t been through the pain and agony that will rip you apart, and can be found in any church out there. But it is also a bad thing because people are blind to it. Most church goers are stuck in their own little world where God is perfect and makes everything work out for good. Don’t get me wrong, He always does. But it certainly doesn’t happen the way they think it does.
It comes down to three types of people who attend church. The unconscious “I go because I have to”, The wannabe who wishes they were better but won’t do what it takes, and the one who is sold out for God.
Let me start with what a lot of people unconsciously do when they come to church.
The first thing you do when you walk in the door is wonder where the coffee and doughnuts are.
Then you see Ashley across the room wearing a dress that makes her look like a prostitute. You think to yourself “Why doesn’t anyone do something about her?”
The next thing you know, you’re talking to one of your friends, gossiping about Ashley, and what family member has angered you. Clearly you think you know what they should be doing, and you would love to get the chance to tell them.
You walk into the service and hope the music isn’t too loud and that the worship leaders can really sing and won’t ruin your day.
You hope to sing something exciting that gets your blood pumping and maybe give you that chance to raise your hands, to make it look like you are praising God with all that you have. But really, you’re just trying to make yourself look good.
Then the offering comes around. You throw in a few bucks you have in your pocket, because this is the one part of church you always forget about. Sometimes you may throw in a $20 if the person next to you seems important. Once again, just to make yourself look more righteous.
The pastor gets up. You stare at him for a while, wondering about where he got his shirt or his haircut. Then you hope he doesn’t drone on today. Afterall, you’ve got a Steeler’s game to watch.
7 minutes in, you start dozing off. Brad sitting next to you, sees you doing the head bob, and he pokes you. You jolt up. And now you’re wide awake. You’ve missed the last 10 minutes cause you were day dreaming about your new video game you just purchased. Now you have no idea what the pastor was even talking about.
He makes a few good points, then it’s time for communion. “Why do they do this every week?” you wonder. It’s such a routine that when you take your piece of bread and juice, you gulp them down without even thinking about the reason behind them. The God of the universe sacrificed His life for you. And you can’t even repay Him by staying awake or focused to get closer to Him.
Sometimes after that, the pastor gives an altar call. Come forward if you have any burdens. Well your aunt died this week. So you go forward to ask for prayer. Kneeling at the altar makes you look even more humble. Yet that indeed you are not.
You leave the church, go home and get distracted with everything else in your life. You have no desire for getting any closer to God than going to church. Cracking your Bible open is reserved for once a week.
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If you know me pretty well, most likely you are not the person above. But maybe you are part of that person.
I know I was for a very long time.
Just think about it. Don’t be offended. Because I am not saying that everyone is like that.
But the truth is, the majority of church goers are.
Will be continued...
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