i read an interesting quote on twitter the other day that i agree with
kind of…
Create environments for people to belong before they believe.
let me say that first and foremost i completely agree with nashville crosspoint’s motto that states “nobody is perfect, everybody is welcome, anything is possible“
the issue that i have with this quote is that i believe that there are certain churches that are taking this to be the truth above all else
a truth at any expense
and sometimes that expense is the living word of God, God’s direction & discipline (that is in place to create a fuller life for us here on earth)
“to belong” is where i get tripped up because does this mean that all people must feel like they belong?
this would lead to insanity
example:
if somebody would only feel like they belonged IF the church supported the murdering of babies would you create an environment where they belong or welcome them, but stick to the word of God, which clearly does not support the murdering of babies?
on the other hand,
some churches take this too far and stop welcoming people, start creating a group think atmosphere where nothing is challenged (or progressive), and legalism eventually is thriving in full force.
thus, i agree with the following:
Create environments for people to belong before they believe, as long as it is not at the expense of anything God.
i am afraid that otherwise, the words spoken become empty because the actions backing them are not in line
and i hope every Christ follower agrees that the last thing we need right now is to create more reason to be called hypocrites
last, notice i say “anything God” not “anything ronnie” or “anything man” but “anything GOD”
where is the balance?
comfort over what?
ltlo
