Quote:
Originally Posted by countmeworthy
It seems every 'church' going person I encounter adulates their pastor as if he is God's ONLY gift to the church. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard people tell me that their 'pastor' is truly a Man of God! He studies hours and hours and prays and prays to feed the "church".
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Good evening sister,
I don't hear this from christians (or only rarely have I) - and I've fellowshipped with christians from many different walks too. I think maybe in your frustration over the issue, you've exaggerated the case (hence my underline of the exaggerating word), but that makes me wonder why you would exaggerate it (if you are)?
May I ask you a question? Could it be that what you think you're hearing from "church going persons" is something that you've been
conditioned to hear? Is it possible that a part of you is still listening for (or expecting to hear) some kind of evidence of the "denominationalism" that Lee ranted about.... a sectarianism (on their part) based on spiritual pride?
Maybe you are hearing these people say good things about their pastor, and perhaps they tell you because they hear that you're without a church home, and this is their way of inviting you / encouraging you to come in and meet with them. Maybe....
Yes - Christians are the church - but the church is a
body of believers. It's not a bunch of severed members wandering around. We're sheep - and the Shepherd keeps His flock not separate and apart but safe together in a fold. I want to say,
in love, that as imperfect as we christians all are, we
need eachother. We absolutely need eachother, and lone gunning it is dangerous. I know. I've tried. It didn't go well for me at all.
Fellowship forces us to be humble. It makes us accountable. It allows us to use our gifts and blossom and bear fruit. It keeps us grounded. It stimulates growth (yes, even the frustration of dealing with others of dissenting opinion does that - iron sharpens iron, yes?)
Sister Carol, I want to encourage you to listen more closely to what you hear from people. I want you to imagine that maybe they're not bragging about their pastor so much as they are asking you to join them.... and that, dear sister, they would be doing out of love and concern... and if they're genuine christians (and I think you're saying they are) - then maybe the voices of invitation you are hearing aren't coming from them alone. Maybe some still, small voice is speaking to you through them.
Hebrews 10:23-25 "
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Courage sister... and may the Lord direct you as He wills.
