If you should find the perfect church
Without one fault or smear,
For goodness sake! Don't join that church
You'd spoil the atmosphere.
If you should find the perfect church
Where all anxieties cease,
Without one fault or smear,
For goodness sake! Don't join that church
You'd spoil the atmosphere.
If you should find the perfect church
Where all anxieties cease,
Then pass it by, lest joining it
You mar the masterpiece.
If you should find the perfect church
Then don't you ever dare
To tread upon holy ground
You'd be a misfit there.
But since no perfect church exists
Made of imperfect men,
Then let's cease looking for that church
And love the church we're in.
Let's keep working in our church,
Until the Resurrection,
And when we each will join God's church
Without an imperfection.
Author Unknown
Found this posted on facebook and had to share. I love the imperfect church I'm in. If you don't, and since you are reading my blog....and since my gift of prophecy seems to be on high alert today, would you please do these 3 things for me?
First, tell me this: Is the Bible being taught? I don't care what version it is, as long as it's the Holy Bible, inerrant Word of God. I did not ask you about the worship style so don't go there. It's not about you and your opinions anyway, but since we're on this....there are hundreds of churches (in the Bible belt--thousands) near you to choose from....stop complaining and just go! (Phil.2:14-15) There are even churches doing multiple styles in 1 morning JUST to please you! Surely you can find one! (You: "Maybe I can, and don't call me Shirley.")
Next, ask God to examine your heart (Psalm 139:23-24) and see if maybe YOU are the problem. (long pause for silent contemplation......chirp, chirp.....ok moving on.)
Third, are you aware that your pastor is human too and still a work in progress just like you? Then are you praying for him/her or just calling the "prayer chain" to discuss your "concerns" with his....choice of tie....or lack of tie....whatever....? God CAN pour love into your heart for someone you have trouble liking, did you know that? (He's speaking to me through my own words, isn't He sneaky?...and so Right.) Now, if this pastor is immoral, (and this is a big IF that I don't feel like getting into here) then I get it, but don't add to Satan's parade by "sharing" aka passing along the gossip, just move on praying for the family and let God do His thing in this pastor.
I think it's sad that some people are so bitter toward whatever problem that wasn't dealt with above while going to one certain church, or even two...that they are resorting to staying home and watching church online....or on TV. :( (Ugh TV church is just awful. Talk about some ugly ties. Sheesh!) There's just something missing, isn't there? Don't get me wrong, I miss a Sunday once in a while and enjoy an online broadcast in my PJs occasionally, but there is nothing/NOTHING like worshipping with my church family, studying God's Word together, and then getting the hugs and encouragement and prayers from like-minded brothers and sisters. It's just a balanced part of "being filled with the Spirit". All of these things are just the added blessings of going and serving others there, whether it's by holding babies or playing the drums, to God be the glory that His life in me reflects Himself....who gave up His life for me. (Phil.2:1-11--one of my faves) How can I keep that in?
Then, when you have a family crisis....can the guy on TV come to your house or hospital and just be there to pray with you? Probably not. (Oh and don't be offended by his anti-bacterial hand gel....little OCD there.... remember? He's totally human. Take it from his wife.) ;)
First, tell me this: Is the Bible being taught? I don't care what version it is, as long as it's the Holy Bible, inerrant Word of God. I did not ask you about the worship style so don't go there. It's not about you and your opinions anyway, but since we're on this....there are hundreds of churches (in the Bible belt--thousands) near you to choose from....stop complaining and just go! (Phil.2:14-15) There are even churches doing multiple styles in 1 morning JUST to please you! Surely you can find one! (You: "Maybe I can, and don't call me Shirley.")
Next, ask God to examine your heart (Psalm 139:23-24) and see if maybe YOU are the problem. (long pause for silent contemplation......chirp, chirp.....ok moving on.)
Third, are you aware that your pastor is human too and still a work in progress just like you? Then are you praying for him/her or just calling the "prayer chain" to discuss your "concerns" with his....choice of tie....or lack of tie....whatever....? God CAN pour love into your heart for someone you have trouble liking, did you know that? (He's speaking to me through my own words, isn't He sneaky?...and so Right.) Now, if this pastor is immoral, (and this is a big IF that I don't feel like getting into here) then I get it, but don't add to Satan's parade by "sharing" aka passing along the gossip, just move on praying for the family and let God do His thing in this pastor.
I think it's sad that some people are so bitter toward whatever problem that wasn't dealt with above while going to one certain church, or even two...that they are resorting to staying home and watching church online....or on TV. :( (Ugh TV church is just awful. Talk about some ugly ties. Sheesh!) There's just something missing, isn't there? Don't get me wrong, I miss a Sunday once in a while and enjoy an online broadcast in my PJs occasionally, but there is nothing/NOTHING like worshipping with my church family, studying God's Word together, and then getting the hugs and encouragement and prayers from like-minded brothers and sisters. It's just a balanced part of "being filled with the Spirit". All of these things are just the added blessings of going and serving others there, whether it's by holding babies or playing the drums, to God be the glory that His life in me reflects Himself....who gave up His life for me. (Phil.2:1-11--one of my faves) How can I keep that in?
Then, when you have a family crisis....can the guy on TV come to your house or hospital and just be there to pray with you? Probably not. (Oh and don't be offended by his anti-bacterial hand gel....little OCD there.... remember? He's totally human. Take it from his wife.) ;)
