I grew up in a family where going to church and having religion was the right thing to do. There was really no consideration to whether you lived “an ounce worth of dog meat”. It’s one of the things that always raised my eyebrows when I was younger. The facade was carefully maintained because that is what good Christian folks do. Anything that wasn’t right, was carefully hidden away in the back room down the hallway. And you didn’t talk about those things outside the house…ever!
My personal Christian walk began over 20 years ago, and in this journey, I’ve witnessed so many things—some good and some bad. And this is where I get controversial for all the traditional church folks. In my opinion, religion (and I mean religion…not spirituality) has essentially corrupted the world. Now, believe me, I am Christian and fully believe in having a personal relationship with Christ, but what really pisses me off is the church pushing perfection. All of the do’s and don’ts that only matter when you choose to darken the doorsteps of a church or so long as the rules don’t get in the way of your own personal agenda.
Why the phonies? Why the hypocrisy? Is it because we feel like we are nothing if we’re not living up to what the world considers perfect? If we can’t keep up with the Jones, are we worth any less? If we don’t walk the straight and narrow AND do everything the way others have planned out for us, does that mean we’ll never achieve our goals or arrive at that place of destiny? Is there only one road to success?
Hell no.
Your success cannot be categorized by someone else’s definition! It may have many detours, off-ramps, and re-routes. Life is not the ‘shortest distance between two points’, but rather an education in getting lost, running out of gas, walking alone on a long dark road, and perhaps learning some valuable lessons along the way.
The key to your success is learning who you are and trusting the process that will lead you along the way. Most importantly, never be afraid of the road less taken.
I COMPLETELY agree Ella! You’ve hit it right on the head. Many people don’t like going to church anymore because of the pressure of being perfect. If you don’t go to church you’re considered a heathen, but they don’t know anything about your personal walk with Christ outside the 4 walls of the church. That’s what’s most important! And I definitely agree with understanding that life is a journey and their is no set way of reaching the destiny God has for you. Be you, and let God be your guide.
As stated, ‘religion’ is definitely a problem. Church, when done right, is far from it; however. Actually, the church institution is the ONLY solution to the issues of the world. Agree or disagree, there are churches on every corner for a reason. They may only have a few, but when something tragic is going on in someone’s life, guess where they go. Yes, you may try to find substitutes, but at the end of the day you will NEVER
be able to get what God has ordained the church to supply from any other institute.
There are numerous others who are attempting to emulate the church, placing their own twist on it, but due to the ‘form of godliness’’, it doesn’t stand the test of time. The church has been in operation for over 2000 years and although some choose not to go, it will always remain a safe place for the broken, rejected, and those in despair. The church has been and will always be, whether we agree with it or not. Say what you want, people will die, but the church will not. If it could die, it would have been wiped off the face of the earth a long time ago.
People are not choosing to NOT go to church, they are choosing to not take part in the ‘foolery’ that has contaminated what the church is really about. People are desiring the original purpose of the church and our focus should be to discover that purpose, not attempt to abandon it.
I completely agree that the church as an institution isn’t going ANYWHERE. Neither do I believe that it should. Hurting people will always need a safe haven as well as the guidance of real spiritual leaders. Our question then becomes “How do we revolutionalize the church to get rid of the ‘foolery’ that has stigmatized it?” The world needs REAL voices, REAL compassion, and REAL love. What is the answer to promoting the love of Christ over the facade that has contaminated mainstream religion? Until THAT issue is addressed, this NOW generation will continue to migrate towards other offerings.
I don’t believe that there should be or can be a substitute for church, BUT let’s remove the band-aid and right the ship! Who will step up and create the solution?
First, I want to thank you Ella Clarke for beginning the dialogue about this sensitive subject. I believe that the definition of church needs to be defined. According to the scriptures, when the church began it happened beyond the four walls. (Go into all the world and preach…) Also, we, the people, are the church of the living God and the pillar, ground and truth. To my understanding, I don’t believe she was saying to change the message but we do have to change the method. Jesus did no ministered the same way each time. Some of us came through the fire, some the flood but we all through the blood. I agree that we don’t need to push perfection but redemption through and in relationship with Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, most traditional churches are caught up with the organization of ‘The Church” instead of the organism of “Church.” It can’t be all law and no free spirit or all free spirit and no organization. We have to ask God to assist us with the balance of the two.
I was caught up in keeping the law – the do and don’ts – of the church until I needed mercy and grace! Instead of my pastor preaching perfection. I was preached and ministered redemption. Through love and kindness, I was drawn to salvation and redemption. God is Sovereign! How is it that King David after doing what he did — lie, cheat, having an affair, and conspired to commit murder — was still considered a man after God’s own heart?! Moses struck the rock and was told that he will not be able to lead the people to the promise land?! Why? ‘Cause God is Sovereign. I don’t think anyone can truly defined church because God can’t ever be described but experienced! I do believe that God uses different experiences, the good, bad and ugly, to fulfill His Will in our lives. Romans 8:28, stated that ALL THINGS work TOGETHER… Think about it… It was the band of Ishmaelites that assisted in sparing Joseph’s life when he was thrown in the pit. Yes, Abram and Hagar’s son! God is Sovereign! We, the Christians, need to trust God and allow His Purpose be fulfilled in us! Guess what? It may not look like the traditional church, just be obedient!
Well said! I believe “the church” has gotten too caught up in appearances and legalism. Where is the compassion? Most of all, is there obedience to the voice of God, or are we just hiding behind legalism? Are we operating strictly by the letter or are we allowing the spirit to prick our hearts?
My point here is to envoke a conversation regarding balance. How do we get there without sacrificing the message, or purpose? This is the REAL challenge of today’s church.
So what we need is for the REAL church to stand up!