"For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you."
Proverbs 2:10-11
Not too long ago I had a discussion with a man who had dropped out of church 30 years ago. He was a teenager at that time and other things piqued his interest. He told me he just got out of the habit of going to church. It wasn't a major decision in his life. It wasn't because of anything in particular. He just one Sunday went fishing. Then the next he overslept. And so on and so forth.
Thirty years away from a loving, caring group of people can lead people to start justifying their own lack of dedication.
"It's never too late to come back," I told him.
"I don't know. There's a lot of judgmental people there," he said.
I explained to him that there's really not. That's just a narrative developed by a secular society that likes to belittle and ridicule belief in God. In reality Church is made up of a bunch of sinners who love each other because they share a common thread of forgiveness.
"People may look at me weird, because I haven't been in so long," he then offered.
Most probably, the people who attended 30 years ago aren't around anymore. And if they are, then the last thing they will be thinking is, "What's he doing here?" They instead will be happy to see him and rejoice like the angels in Heaven rejoice when someone finds their way back to the arms of God.
"I'm not sure if there's anything for me," he then interjected.
Grace.
There's always grace.
But if you're needing an activity, then let me talk to you about the Habitat homes we work on. Or the schools we build in Mexico. How about the homeless people we feed every month. Or the clothes closet we open to those in need. Or about the water wells we dig in Africa. Or the medical missions to Haiti. We have ministries that offer soccer and baseball to children so if you've always wanted to be a coach, here's your chance. We are helping to eradicate malaria and making health kits for children in need. We buy coats during the winter time; and tennis shoes during the summer to help children who may not have either. We have free medical clinics for those who can't afford a doctor and volunteers who spent their time at nursing homes and Hospice wards. We have teachers of pre-schools and ladies who make prayer shawls for kids recovering from cancer. Not to mention Sunday Schools, small groups, worship, and choirs.
"If you're looking for something to belong to," I said, "I promise you won't be disappointed."
"I don't know," he then stuttered, seeing that I wasn't going to give up. "I just don't hear God speaking to me right now."
I learned a long time ago, if you don't think God is speaking to you, then you're simply not listening. Like when he asked Isaiah, "Whom shall I send?" God is continually speaking to us in our lives. The choice to listen is up to us.
Today, God is asking you the same question Isaiah answered.
Are you listening?
Let us pray.
Our Gracious God. We know that you are calling us to be a new and redeemed people. We often mistake activity for religion and forget that what you truly offer is grace and forgiveness. We ask today for that forgiveness given to us by Jesus. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
PASTOR TROY CONRAD IS MINISTER OF THE FARMINGTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH.
Religion on 05/27/2015