My Journey to the Local Church, and beyond...

[aron]

Originally Posted by NeitherFirstnorLast

Beware of the illusion of an ideal, know-it-all church. Such
groups are typically on their best behavior in order to gain
potential members. Later, the other side of the story
becomes apparent in a sick church culture that could
contain elements like hyper-legalism or heresy. By then, it
is often emotionally difficult for a new member to
withdraw."
- John Myer, The Momentum of Togetherness.

I related to the notion of making an emotional commitment to an idealization. Then, when reality begins to intrude, the emotionally vested person "explains away", downplays, or ignores all the red flags. The intellect has become clouded, and perception dulled, because the heart over-rode common sense, and the actualities experience in this imperfect world.

The only ideal is Jesus Christ.

Yes, I know; Christ is the head of the church. And yes, Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. Yes, the church is His body. Yes, Christ is building the Church. Yes, the church is the Bride, Christ the bridegroom.

But notice in all those statements it is Christ who is tending affairs, not us. We are to love Him, try to respect(love) our neighbor, and follow and obey the Spirit which comes in His name.

If we try to take on "the church", we really are overstepping our allotted portion; this is my current impression. Our allotted portion is rather to tend to our knitting, and try to be pleasant to the person next to us, and let Christ build His church. Much beyond that, and I suspect Babylon comes rather hard and fast.