I have a reputation for being somewhat cynical, especially about the church.
Having friends who sleep behind the dumpster in a parking lot of a church that is spending millions on a building expansion will do that to you.
Or when you meet with the head of an international “Christian” non-profit and he tells you the reason they are focusing on international poverty rather than domestic poverty is because it is much easier to raise money for international poverty, especially if there are kids involved. It makes me even more cynical to recognize that he is right – it is easier. Much easier.
Or the wealthy Christian who can’t help you financially, but he will pray for you. As he gets ready to go on the fourth vacation of the year.
Or the Men’s group that wants a missions “project”, something they can do two times a year, like pass lunches out in the park to the homeless. You know, like Jesus did.
The problem for me is that I identify with the church people – that is where I came from. And we are hardest on the people we identify with the most. These people are in my mission field too. Just as my friends who have no homes need to know what it means to be loved, my friends who live in houses need to know what it means to love someone who does not have the ability to love you back in the same way. Loving people who cannot love you back allows us to begin to understand Grace.
Being a prophetic voice without being a jerk is something I struggle with. (I can hear the chorus of Amen’s from here…)
Jesus loves everybody, but he wants to do it through us. And as hard as it is for me sometimes, I have to understand that means arrogant wealthy church people too. Keep praying for me - and us - would you?
Thanks for the reminder to guard myself from cynicism. Let’s get together for coffee soon. I’d love to discuss this blog post…
praying..