Confirmation...

Whenever the Spirit speaks truth to my heart, God sends confirmation that I am hearing His voice. I find confirmation in The Word and in much of what I read in my blog community. (There are many seekers out there who don't fit the mold of any particular church.)
For months, I've pondered whether God wants us to focus on building up denominations or a Kingdom. Some say, "What's the difference?". Big difference! I'm not saying church is BAD- many are blessed by going. Being involved in a church has benefits. (In fact, I've been the churchiest of church people in the past.) However, many church people are asleep inside stale theology and smug in their belief systems. These well-meaning Christians often barge into the sacred realm of a soul as lightly as buffalo trampling a flower bed. In a sense they say, "You must act, eat, worship and believe as I do or God won't love you & you can't be saved." Problem is, we have a Bible guide-book that doesn't lay everything out in black or white. It may not be comfortable to admit, but there are many gray areas. The Bible offers principles, but does not apply them to every situation. This leaves room for the human being to exercise his/her God-given intelligence and make a judgement call on any issue based on conviction. Organized religion is often heavy-handed in keeping members from differing from ascribed behaviors. Using methods such as shaming & shunning. It's "sanctified" peer pressure. All the correct doctrine in the world without love or tact is useless. There is room in God's Kingdom for examination, growth and individuality.

Last Sunday I was in a grocery store when a young couple with kids got in line behind me. They wore T-shirts that said, "The Church has left the building. We're trying to make a difference in our community". Overwhelmed with curiousity, I said "hello" and asked, "How do you make a difference?" The lady replied, "Well, we paint things, pick up trash, deliver food, plant flowers & build stuff. Basically, we look for a need in our community and try to meet it." I said, "I like that! What church do you represent?" To which, she said, "We're not affiliated with any church, we are part of a Kingdom." COOL! BAM- confirmation for me. I've always wondered what good it does to dress- up and warm a pew every week. The church gathers in the same building with the same people, often going through the motions of the same, self-congratulatory services, expecting the world to come to them. Why not break out of the rut, get out in the community with other like-minded individuals and DO SOMETHING! Habitat 4 Humanity does this, I know it works! I'm sure God appreciates the gesture of coorporate worship, but how much more would it thrill His heart if we went out and made a difference for someone? Talk is cheap! For all the talk about being caring people reaching out to a fallen world, we often lack the action. We can't rely on ministers or institutions to do the work. If everyone looks around within his/her own sphere of influence and does something to help someone, the impact would be felt.

My idea of helping God was to do something BIG. I meant well, but I was in a holding pattern, working myself into a position where I could do great things and have the most influence. However, little gestures faithfully done can make the biggest difference in the end. Some of the most powerful people in my life did simple, thoughtful things to show they cared. Being a Daniel, Moses or a Joshua is wonderful and inspiring, but in a way, it takes more faith to be an average Joe Christian who is genuinely nice to his co-worker and neighbor.

I've been there. I know how empty- even desperate- people feel in this fast-paced life. At my lowest point, I received more correction than comfort from the church. It was the misfits & Kingdom seekers that reached out to me. Like me, most people just want to know someone cares. For many it's easier to hand out a religious pamphlet, than a bag of groceries. To wave at the neighbor on the way to church than to mow their lawn. For others, if the object of their charity doesn't respond favorably by joining their church within a certain time frame, they move on to someone else. However, when building a Kingdom and putting God on the Throne, it's not about us & our organizations anymore. It's not about counting baptisms. Love is kind- not for any reward, but for the simple joy of being kind.

I'll probably never see the couple from the store again, but there was an immediate connection. We chatted enthusiastically for several minutes, smiling & nodding in agreement with each other as we shared thoughts on how to make a difference in this world. There was a warmth and a feeling of unity between us. Yep, it's about a Kingdom. :o)