Not a formula God

Max and I have been asked so many times where we go to church. Now, we have come to accept that as the typical response when we say we are Christians. When we say “here and now” as an answer people are dumbfounded. Then the next inevitable question comes, “Why don’t you go to church?” So, here is the answer to that question.

First let me say that when we are asked that question we realize people are referring to buildings where people gather every Sunday for worship music and teaching on scriptures from someone’s point of view. That, in our understanding, is not church. It is organized religion. Unfortunately, in our American culture it has become synonymous with being a Christian and even being saved. I think we have done a huge disservice to Jesus ministry and to God in labeling it church!

So, why we don’t attend one of these organizations regularly? Quite simply we no longer wanted a formula God. It seemed no matter where we went they had long teachings on how to have health, prosperity and a ministry. There were revelations on the teachings of Paul and how to be holy. A lot of talk on the “move of the spirit” at this meeting or in this church and which ministry had it. It was teachings on how we are all to be wealthy because Jesus was, in perfect health because that is God’s way, and standing firm in faith if we were not experiencing one or the other. In the words of Mr. Larson writer of The Far Side, “Blah, blah, blah, Rusty!”

When we look at the life of Jesus we don’t see a man who was concerned with all these formulas for prosperity or health. In fact one could almost infer from his teachings that the healing stuff was superfluous as well as the wealth stuff. His teachings, his life was all about relationship with God and man. Where is that teaching in today’s “church”?

I have found that when your ass hits the bed and you’re unsure if there is a next breathe the only thing in your heart is “did I know God and did I let Him know me.” Not what scriptures do I claim or stand on and is my faith strong enough etc… At that point whether or not I’m prosperous financially (as the teaching of the religious culture implies) does not matter in the least. What I really want to know is did I have a good relationship with my children, my spouse, and my fellow man? Will I be remembered for the love I shared and the joy I brought into peoples life?

I think, somehow, in the end when we stand before God he will not be very concerned about what scriptures we claimed and whether or not we stood on faith believing for stuff nearly as much as he will be with did I seek to know him. Did I commit my whole heart to a relationship with Him. Whether or not I spoke in tongues, or prayed to saints, or healed the sick, or walked on water won’t be the thing he is looking at. He’ll be looking, I believe, to see if I loved my neighbor and put others before myself. Did I walk in the steps of Jesus, listening for his voice and having church wherever I went with whoever I was with? As it says in Isaiah, “Speak a word in season to those who are weary.” That to me is church. That is what matters. That is the true church and the life we wish to pursue.