Ernie, Ivy, and me went back to carpooling. After picking straws I’m driving first.
On Day 1 Ernie met me outside my garage (Ernie lives a block and a half away) and we drove the mile or so to Ivy’s place.
Ivy waited on her front porch, when she spotted my car she put out her half smoked cigarette (because I don’t allow smoking in my car)and stepped to her driveway.
I weaved through the morning traffic, heading towards our downtown jobs, and that’s when Ernie asked us, “Do you go to church?”
Immediately Ivy said, “Sometimes, but not very often,”.
“Well …” I started to say before Ernie interrupted.
“What’s the reason you stay away from church?”
I quickly inserted, “I do …”
But Ivy said, “Hypocrisy, in-fighting, politics, bullying, arrogant know-it-all’s.”
“Any other reason? Ernie questioned.
“I don’t like greeting other people, but I like the special music,” I offered.
“Noisy kids and old ladies talking during the message,” Ivy ranted.
Ernie summarized, “So most of your objection about attending church has something to do with people; am I hearing you right?”
“I guess so.” Ivy agreed.
“Yeah, maybe that’s it.” I willing admitted.
“What about focus?” Ernie queried.
“Focus?” Ivy and I said in unison.
“Yep, focus. Doesn’t it say somewhere in scripture that we should focus on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith?”
“You mean Hebrews 12:2?” Ivy slipped in.
Ernie said, “The way to get the best out of church is to focus on Christ instead of people.”
“Hmm,” I said out loud, “that’s an interesting idea.”
“I never thought about that,” Ivy said. “Maybe I’ll have to try that.”
“Yes we all ought to do that,” Ernie said. “It’s the way to unconditionally crush loser focus.”
Thinking about this focus idea I pulled my car into my parking spot at work.
Music:
Book:
So right on, Lee! I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that other-people focus is probably what is killing churches right now. We’ve forgotten our first love and no longer focus on Jesus Christ and Him crucified and resurrected. We should return to the simple truth and message and focus on that.
But any reading of Scripture tells me that this argument has been going on since the church started. As my friend likes to say, “It would be great if it weren’t for the people!” (And I hate to admit it, but that probably includes me!)
Blessings,
Andrea
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