Over the past month, I have had a chance to talk about church with several people. To 'do' church or not has been the question? Is it suppose to be motivating or give you the 'feel good experience?' Should you immediately feel like you 'belong' at the church you choose to first visit? These have all been the questions at discussion.
I do, believe it or not, in my twenty-six years, feel like I have learned something about this growing up in the church, being involved at churches, and now, with my husband being on staff at a church. Have my experiences at church always been positive? No. Have I ever been frustrated? Yes. Have I seen the good, bad, and the ugly? Yes. Do I feel like "church" is going to always be a wonderful and feel good experience? No. Can it? Certainly. Have there been times I have not wanted anything to do with church? Yes. I am just being honest here.
But I also know that the "church" is made up of imperfect individuals...and we know that...since only One was perfect. (Matt. 5:48) Ever heard of the term total depravity?
I love this explanation, so I won't seek to put it in my own words:
"Because the Bible describes fallen man’s heart as thoroughly wicked and corrupt, theologians refer to man as totally depraved. This doctrine does not mean that man is as wicked as he could be. Obviously, there are some men that are more wicked than others. The pagan man who works hard to support his family, who is faithful to his wife, who obeys the civil laws is much better than a hardened criminal or serial murderer. Further, this teaching does not mean that an unsaved man cannot do good deeds. Jesus Himself acknowledged that evil men could give good gifts to their children (Mt.
What total depravity does mean is that man’s inherent corruption extends to every part of man’s nature. Because of the fall man’s whole being or heart is in rebellion against God. “Everything that unregenerate man does or thinks is undergirded by rebellious inclinations against God or motivations that are sinful.” Since the fall man’s whole nature has been polluted by sin. (Adam and Eve in Genesis). “The imagination of a man’s heart is evil from his youth” (Gen. 8:21). “The wicked…go astray as soon as they are born speaking lies” (Ps. 58:3). “We were by nature the children of wrath” (Eph. 2:3). “The heart is deceitful above all things, who can know it” (Jer. 17:9)? Consequently, men are actuated by wrong principles. The natural man’s thoughts, words and deeds are corrupt, because they all flow from a corrupt source. Thus, unregenerate man cannot choose or do spiritual good. He cannot generate the love of God or Christ in his heart and he cannot do anything meriting salvation."
A little depressing to think that we can be so separated from God for our sinfulness? The bible continually points us to our sinfulness. What could possibly be inspiring about this? Are you having a "feel good experience" when you go to church and hear this? Probably not, this is depressing!!!! But there is good news!
Once you reach this understanding, if God continues to work in your heart, you want to do know what's next...
Christ came to the earth. He was fully God and fully man. He lived a sinless life. His mission was to do his Father's will. He was faithful. He died on the cross for our sins. Jesus was the bridge between the once gap between God and man. After Jesus' sacrifice, he placed the sins of the world on him, since his Father is perfect, he turned away as his Son was dying. And once and for all, our sins were paid for by the only one could take them away. For those who accept Christ as their Savior, God sees us as righteous.
That, in a very shortened version, is the crux of the Christian faith. It's our redemption story and song! We who were dead, are now alive with Christ. Now, that gives me a 'feel good feeling!!!' But it's only through knowing our own depravity.
"Church" may not be everything you wanted or hoped for. But it's really not about us. It's a chance to hear the Word of God preached (whether it convicts you or encourages), praising God through song, and meeting with like-minded believers. There is something so powerful in a congregation struggling, growing, and coming together to praise the same Savior who died for all.
Believe me, I am talking to myself here. I find it funny that I am writing this when just yesterday I verbalized my frustrations to my husband with the church in general, and then feeling guilty for being honest, but God works in our honesty.
May you be blessed this week knowing that we have a powerful, faithful Savior!!
