In Response to Hypocrisy

After reading a friend's blog, I've been contemplating a response while going through an initial range of emotions such as frustration, sadness and confusion. Her blog was a defense argument about why she does not attend church. She made no claim to her spiritual beliefs but is sharing her perspective on other self proclaiming Christians who are a part of an organized worship of God that may be considered a church. Her writing stated that churches are comprised mostly of hypocrites and those that aren't hypocrites will judge anyone who comes through the door. Is this how the majority of the world views Christians? My eyes were opened to a scary and challenging thought. No wonder it's a never ending battle to win others over to Jesus if this is all they see! At first, I must admit I was put off thinking this was a narrow minded view and that perhaps anyone who sees things this way is simply looking for an excuse not to explore Christianity or even try to understand it. After lots of thought and prayer, I have been forced to change my way of thinking. That line of thinking would only play into the stereotype and make it true!

First, let's acknowledge the elephant in the room. Is the church as we know it, full of hypocrites? My knee jerk reaction is say that "full" is not accurate, but yes, absolutely there are hypocrites in church. It is also peppered with liars, cheaters, adulterers, and evil in other forms. Yes, the church is full of sinners! For the Bible which the church is founded upon and taught by says that "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23. I believe that all would include the people of the church. That's settled so let's move on. There is a general perception that those who call themselves Christians think they are better than those who are not. This is true in some cases but not in most. This viewpoint would be taking the loud voices of a select few and spreading that assessment out to include everyone in the group. Isn't this what the world is fighting against today? Everywhere I look or listen, there is a growing opposition to stereotypes and generalities. It is not right to assume the mindsets and actions of individuals based on the representation of a small percentage of that same group of people.

Back to the original subject that provoked this response. Speaking only on Christianity; should Christians feel obligated and make a profound effort to attend church? I feel led to be clear that I mean a consistent meeting comprised of Christians in what is the general description and understanding of a church. I often hear people say they had church when they are referring to coffee with a fellow believer in which the Bible or God was discussed or when someone has watched a Joyce Meyer or TD Jakes video in their pajamas at home. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with those things, that is not the meaning of church in this particular post! The answer to the question is YES! Christians should want to and feel obligated to attend church. We are not only instructed to do so but when we are looking for God's guidance and blessings, it is necessary for growth as a Christian. The Bible does encourage this in Hebrews 10:25 and in several other places, the church is mentioned and there is outline as to the makeup of the church. If you need one more very simple reason, Jesus himself went to church and we are instructed to be more like Him!

If you feel as though the blogger did, perhaps you should look within regarding the true reasons church is not a part of your regular habits. If hypocrisy is a reason, look to the Bible for guidance on this subject and you may be enlightened as I was! What are some others reasons you have heard or feel are keeping you or others away from the Church?

Let's Talk Politics

You're thinking, "No, let's not talk politics because then we can't like each other." There, I've already reached my point and it's the beginning of the post! So really, let's talk politics. When I say politics, I'm speaking more of the subject or topic, rather than the specifics or opinions. What are politics? According to the dictionary, there are several meanings, all very similar. The first is this: 

a: the art or science of government

b: the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy

c: the art or science concerned with winning and holding control over a government

The "art"? I don't think of art when I think of politics. What a profound idea; the comparison or definition of politics as art! Art is a word that encompasses a vast variation of subjects, people, places, things and ideas. It can be seen from multiple perspectives and yet none of them are labeled as being wrong. Art allows for differences and acceptance of each idea and view, no matter how bizarre or mundane they may seem to opposing sides. We view and understand art to be diverse and immense in nature and that same word is used to define politics. Wouldn't it be great if we could hold true to the definition by realizing and accepting that we may have a different perspective or preference but that doesn't automatically denote opposing views as inferior or false? What if we could hold contrary  opinions on politics and still remain friends? That would be quite an art!