Some Churches Aren’t All That Friendly
James 2:2-4 Suppose someone comes into your meeting wearing very nice clothes and a gold ring. At the same time a poor person comes in wearing old, dirty clothes. You show special attention to the person wearing nice clothes. You say, “Sit here in this good seat.” But you say to the poor person, “Stand there!” or “Sit on the floor by our feet!” Doesn’t this show that you think some people are more important than others? You set yourselves up as judges—judges who make bad decisions.
We people are funny creatures – quite tribalistic when it comes down to it. It’s kind of a manifestation of the fact that we’re social creatures. We like to form groups and stick to them. That’s a good thing … but sometimes, let’s be honest, it’s a not so good thing too.
Have you ever been the new kid on the block in some social setting? Perhaps you’ve just begun a new job. Everyone else knows the ropes. Everyone else, for better or worse, knows everyone else. They’re a group … and you have yet to break in. You want to become part of the group, but it’s not always easy.
My wife and I have been through that several times in becoming part of a church community. And can I tell you, some churches aren’t all that friendly – sad, but true. People like to stick in their cliques and sometimes, they can be quite judgemental.
James 2:2-4 Suppose someone comes into your meeting wearing very nice clothes and a gold ring. At the same time a poor person comes in wearing old, dirty clothes. You show special attention to the person wearing nice clothes. You say, “Sit here in this good seat.” But you say to the poor person, “Stand there!” or “Sit on the floor by our feet!” Doesn’t this show that you think some people are more important than others? You set yourselves up as judges—judges who make bad decisions.
Hmmm. British apologist Rebecca McLaughlin tweeted recently, “My husband has three rules of engagement when we go to church. 1. An alone person in our gathering is an emergency. 2. Friends can wait. 3. Introduce a newcomer to someone else. Let’s all be missionaries at church today.”
Be kind. Play nice.
That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
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