The Gavel

Too often we, as the church are quick to swing the gavel as the judge, instead of opening our arms in acceptance. One particular day I received a phone call from one of our staff pastor, Brian's wife, Leah. She said Chad you have got to go check out the marquee out in front of a certain church, whose name I won't mention. She went on to say "it says we are videoing on Sunday please dress your best." I said you have got to be joking. So I went and witnessed it first hand. I sat in my car in the parking lot of that church completely speechless. A part of me was absolutely furious, and then my soul began to feel a great sense of sadness. I instantly thought I bet Jesus isn't too happy with this church. I mean can't you see it now, Jesus walking into their church after a long journey. He is not smelling so friendly, his hair is somewhat matted from the sweat that rushes over him as a result of the journey. Would they honestly let him in that Sunday? Most likely not, I mean, come on they are videoing. My heart then literally begins to break for this church. It was at this precise moment that the revelation of Matthew 7:2-4 came to my mind. It states "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?As I put my car in drive I begin to focus on my own church. What if Jesus showed up to my church, the church I pastor? Would He be welcomed? Would He be accepted? Would He see the people of our community as real, genuine human beings? Would He see our people dripping with compassion and mercy for the lost? OR Would He see people that have their own agendas? Would He observe people that come to church because they are consumers, attempting to make the church what they want, not what He wants? What would He see?