Someone once told me the most segregated hour of the week is 11:00 on Sunday morning. Sadly, I think there’s a lot of truth to that. And while most people think in terms of racial segregation, I believe it goes much deeper.
While I do see segregation due to the color of someone’s skin, I also see it based on socio/economic status, sexual orientation, addictions, education level, age, consumeristic preferences, marital status, and yes, race is certainly a factor.
It reminds me of the old saying: “Birds of a feather flock together.” But that’s not how our church operates.
We want a church filled with sinners. People like me who are in desperate need of hearing over and over again, the saving grace that comes only through Jesus Christ.
This is what Jesus meant by saying, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor, but sick people do. I didn’t come to call righteous people but sinners to change their hearts and lives.”(Luke 5:31-32 CEB)
If you are sinless, even though you will be mesmerized by the quality of the preaching, this probably isn’t the church for you. But if you are a sinner, we want you here. You will fit right in.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, as I continue to grow into the person you created me to be, help me come to grips with the fact that by my self-centered ways, I have failed you. Wash me clean, heal my self-inflicted wounds, and make me better than I am. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
I am convinced God wants us to welcome everyone into our midst. To exclude someone would be a sin. We’ve already got enough of that.
The only other requirement I wanted to place on everyone who walks through the doors of our church was to make sure each person presented their W2 information showing they were giving ten percent of their income to the church. Unfortunately, our finance committee refuses to cooperate. So until I can change their minds, the only requirement for coming to our church is that you are a sinner in need of grace. That should cover just about everyone.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 