(I preface all of this in saying... THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS... I am very much speaking generally and not pointing a finger at any certain organization or person. I am guilty of not acting Christ like as well. I will also say that there are less people that I see as genuine followers of Jesus, and more that I see as Christians.)
In the past few years I have been continually let down by the "church". I can imagine that I am not alone in feeling this way. I have come to know Christs character, and have come to the realization that His character is very rarely found amidst "
Christians". I have seen those who call themselves
Christians (followers of Jesus) use, judge, and
manipulate people in a way that is selfish and arrogant. This is disgusting. The thought of this makes me sick. How dare we in the name of Jesus Christ knowingly treat other people bad? However on one hand we all make mistakes, we all struggle with a sin nature. That is one thing. What I am talking about is long time "
Christians" stepping on other people to get what they want (power, money, control, "successful ministry", the list goes on in on). Looking at "the church" today compared to the character of Christ and the church of acts ... WOW. It is so perverted, what have we done?
The trinity that I have experienced and fell in love with is faithful, self sacrificing, humble, full of grace and second chances, loving, and honest. No part of the trinity esteems itself amongst the others, and they are constantly pouring themselves fully and freely into each other, out of the understanding that they are nothing with out the other, so they must be all that they can be to each other. This is (for lack of a better term) constructive community. We are made in the image of God. Let US (trinity/God) make man in OUR own image. It is in our very DNA to give freely and fully to one another aka be a fully functioning community of believers.
The Church has come along way. In the past 50 years we have had discovered a new spiritual freedom. Having a relationship with God, and hearing Gods voice. Has been pushed more than ever. This is wonderful but not enough. I firmly believe that my generation and the generation to come is being asked to love radically. There is a reformation coming to the church, if we will accept it and we must.
I challenge you as I will myself to look at the "American church". Compare it to Christs character and the first church. Then completely let yourself think outside the box. How can we as a body take on the attributes of our lord and saviour Jesus Christ and not the attributes of "business America"
