Perhaps the reason that God told me to seek his approval instead of the approval of people is because people are impossible to please. In yet another display of his infinite compassion for me, The Maker of My Soul did not put me behind the customer service desk of heaven listening to your insane, self-centered wailing.
When I suggested that Christians should attend weekly church services, you responded by saying:
“Nah! I quit going because I can’t fathom the idea of someone who loves everyone but gives KIDS CANCER. Can’t fathom the idea of hating people because they don’t believe in what you do so they are bad. Can’t stand the culture of the BIBLE THUMPING SHOVING THEIR BELIEFS DOWN YOUR THROAT churches.”
If I were Heaven’s Customer Service Representative, I would be required to respond: “I’m sorry for your bad experience. We know that eternal fellowship with the Creator of all reality is not for everybody. Feel free to leave the body of Christ and wander aimlessly, unloved and unnoticed, forever. Let me hold the door for you!”
Then, as I smiled and pointed you in the direction of endless darkness, you angrily shouted:
“John, you jerk! That’s not what Jesus would do! Where’s your Christian love?”
There’s simply no winning with you. Somehow you have come to believe that the church was established to serve as a target for your criticism. You were probably taught this depraved orthodoxy in a church that prioritized your happiness over the gospel. You were allowed to shove your beliefs down their throats for awhile but eventually you went too far. Somebody resisted your tyranny and that sent you scurrying for the door (which I am still holding open for you).
The church does not exist to pursue sinners. The church exists as a fellowship to pursue God. If you’re not interested in making Christ the Lord of your life, then the correct decision is to stay far away from church. Thank you for leaving our group! Your absence makes Sunday mornings much more pleasant.
(To my fellow church people: Don’t you dare apologize for me! You’re not going to ‘win’ this person to Jesus by pandering to her selfishness. Your niceness has become an idol. When you discover that people who hate God have no problem with you, it’s time to repent.)
(Luke 6:26) “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.”
One Response
That’s a perspective I hadn’t thought of. It makes being being berated for my beliefs take on a whole new meaning where those I’ve raised and have chosen to walk away are concerned. Thank you for this. Your bluntness sometimes hurts John, but you are helping me grow and I thank you for that. Much love to you and yours.
bree~