So last week I wrote about our “It’s FREE you know” experience. This morning, as is typical on Sunday mornings, I was sitting on the front porch, but this week anxious to see what the follow up would be from last week’s nodder.
I have to admit I was hopeful that he’d make some kind of futher overture to draw us into what he obviously believes is his spiritual “family”. Not because I really wanted to be a part, but because I really have a desire to see those who claim to follow Christ act like it.
Sadly, he pulled up at the same time he has for almost a year and parked in the same spot he has every week. Got out of his car, looked over my way… and said nothing. In fact, he glanced away as soon as he noticed I was looking his way.
Guess he feels he has fulfilled the mandate taught by his religious system to “Go ye therefore” by simply “inviting” me to come into his building.
By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (emphasis mine)
John 13:35
I read both posts of your experience with your neighboring church. Would it be out of line to suggest that you visit “The Church at Longmont” at least once? At the very least it will give you something else to write about, if not a personal appreciation for your brothers and sisters.
So Ray, I’ll bite. (And forgive me if I’m presuming where you are coming from…) Why do you think me visiting their service will make any difference?
Would I likely find they are anxious to know me after I have stepped inside their walls and invaded their world? (though their “mandate” is to “go”)
Would I discover they love me on their turf after passing by for 11 months three times a week and never even looking over and saying hello?
Would I discover they truly care about me as a person even after they discover I am not a “prospect” for their congregation?
Would I see they really do love each other even though they never seem anxious to see each other or hang out each week as they come and go for their services?
Would the anguish I see on their faces as they come and go three times a week disappear and I would discover there is joy inside them once inside their walls?
“Invitations” like yours sounds strangely similar to that of a drug pusher encouraging someone to take just one small sample, knowing in all likelihood that addiction would follow.
Don’t get me wrong. It’s not The Church I am “down” on here. It’s the trappings they operate under assuming they are being the church… I just seldom see the two being synonymous.
In fairness, I’m pretty sure the answer is “no” to all the questions you pose (except maybe–maybe–the last one). Your drug-pusher metaphor is a fresh one but I’m not sure what you would get hooked on!
As to the behavior of the folks at the Church and the stated mission of the church, I’m certain that your assessments are probably right on the money. My only motivation in suggesting that you visit (drug-pushing aside) is that you might see each one of them more as individual brothers and sisters in Christ–screwed up, self-absorbed, religiously deceived–in short–like me!
Peace,
R
BTW, if that photo on your blog-site masthead is the view from your back porch, you are fortunate indeed!
Umm… no, but not too far away!