People

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The sermon my pastor delivered last Sunday night regarding Colossians 3:1-17 got me thinking about a conversation I’ve had on more than on occasion. A person complains to me that they don’t have any interest in church because all churches are full of hypocrites. We’ve all either heard that or thought it, right? I have to admit, growing up in Church, I’ve encountered a fair share…But who am I? We all fall short. I know I’m not perfect (if you don’t believe me just ask my wife), but that’s the whole reason I’m there! I recognize that I can’t get to Heaven on my own, and I know that Christ is The Way. So, I follow Him.

Have you ever been to a fitness club? They’re full of fat people that want to get thin. How about a hospital? It’s full of sick people, right? People go there to get better. Churches are full of flawed people that realize they are flawed, and want to do everything they can to reconcile themselves. We also realize that this is not something we can do on our own; we need the sacrifice of Christ, the Grace of God. We need to learn His teaching and fellowship with Him, and others who follow Him. We help each other, too, you see.

If we were perfect or complete, we would not need to be told to “put to death what is earthly in you.” To put away “anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk.” Should we really need to be told not to lie? We know better right? We know better than to be racist, or elitist. If Christ is your Savior, you are my brother or sister no matter what color your skin is or how much money you make.

If we had it all together we wouldn’t need to be told to be compassionate, kind, humble, meek, and patient. We wouldn’t need to be told that we need to forgive each other when we feel offended. We wouldn’t need to be instructed to love one another, above all else.

The next time you want to use this excuse, just remember…If churches were full of perfect people, you wouldn’t belong there. We have struggled as you struggle…We have overcome by the power of Christ, and can help you find The Way to overcome. Once in a while we stumble, too (yup, us hypocrites) and need each other’s help to get back up. If you need help (you know you do) go to church…if you don’t know which one to go to, ask around. There is very likely someone in your life that you know can point you in the right direction; perhaps a relative or a coworker. If you don’t know anyone, then call an organization that acts as the hands and feet of Christ (feeding the poor, or sheltering the homeless) and they could direct you to a good place to start.

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