Gumming Up the Works

For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silas and Timothy—was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.” (2 Corinthians 1:19 NIV)

All the grocery stores have debit card readers these days. The problem is, they all ask different questions and in a different order.  You have to stop and think about what you are saying "yes" or "no" to each time.  The one question that always gets me is (in these or similar words), "Do you accept this amount?"  If I was really truthful, in these days of spiraling inflation, my answer would be, "no, this is totally unacceptable."  But I'm afraid being truthful would just make me be the cause of gumming up the works and making everyone behind me wait.  So, dutifully, I press, "yes."

I have to wonder if some of us are like that in our churches.  Too many dutifully just say, "yes" to whatever we are told by our pastors and other leaders.  Too many are afraid of gumming up the works by raising questions.  And if we are honest, we all have them.

Actually, many people are questioning their churches these days.  The problem is, they do not do their questioning within the church.  Or if they do, they are ostracized for doing so.  Instead they leave the church and become "spiritual, but not religious."  And they miss out on one very important aspect of our faith... Christian community.

I am so glad to be a part of a church that is not afraid of questions, because I am a questioner, and had my questions been discouraged I would certainly be one of those "spiritual, but not religious" people. I think it is really those who press the yes button automatically without thinking or questioning who are actually the ones gumming up the works.  Just accepting the status quo keeps us from growing. It keeps our hearts closed to God's voice.  And when we don't hear God speak, we miss the whole point of being in Christian community.

What are your questions about faith, God, Jesus, and church practices?  I know you have them.  Are you afraid to ask?  Remember, none of us have all the answers.  But sharing what we think those answers might be is a great way to grow closer to God.

Father,
Help us to not be afraid to ask our questions.  If we are in a church that makes us afraid to ask, give us courage to seek a more encouraging and accepting community.  Amen.

Joys: Helping to host a fun birthday party for the folks at Heath House last night; having Cecelia for a sleep-over; a lazy morning at home.