FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2022 - NO PERFECT PEOPLE ALLOWED

 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2022 - NO PERFECT PEOPLE ALLOWED

On Friday I write about spiritual things.  

A while back I drove past a sign for a new (and not built yet) church.  The sign was for the new church and it was “MESSY CHURCH” with the second line “NO PERFECT PEOPLE ALLOWED”.

So, what about that?  Yes, we are to work toward perfection - we are to work toward being perfect.

BUT- none of us are perfect - for a Biblical reference “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)

(And, let me be the first to say “yup” - that’s me - I try to do good, but I fail.

In Romans 7, Paul says “The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.  But if I know that what I am doing is wrong”

(Basically, Paul is saying I want to do what is right, but somehow I don’t do it.  And I end up doing the wrong stuff!!!)

James 2 has this:

“For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?”

There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.”

Three months ago I was called into a meeting with two leaders at one of my churches.  I was asked (told) not to use the main ladies' restroom, and to not wear sleeveless dresses.  I was offending some people.  Now, I really don’t want to offend anybody.  And, if you will, I use the ladies' restroom for one primary purpose.  (I might look in the mirror to see if my hair is combed, but that is a secondary purpose).

Can we have “messy” churches?  Or do we need to be prim and proper?  What if a homeless person comes into our church (or our lives)?  Do we condemn them because they are homeless?  Or do we recognize them as fellow human beings?  

.  

I talk about “LOVE WINS” - but this is another case where I fail.  If there are two new people at a familiar place do I go and talk to the better-dressed person rather than the homeless person?  Do I love one another?  Or do I show favoritism? 

Let’s take that another step.  I know people who look different - full body tattoos, shaved heads, unusual hairstyle and/or color, lip piercing, nose piercing, - can I not talk to them because they are different?

Yes, I am different - do you accept me? 

In one of my regular churches, the people greet each other - maybe shake hands, or say “Peace be with you”.  But, I have people who refuse to greet me.  Is it because I’m transgender?  Is it because I am not “normal”?  

I don’t like being pushy or “in your face”.  That isn’t very loving in my book - but should I encourage those who look, act, or seem to be different to be my friends?  Should I be friendly and loving to ALL people?  

Yup, I’m still a work in progress - yes, I’m “messy”.  And, maybe that’s okay in God’s eyes!!!

LOVE WINS!!

Karen White, October 28, 2022, © 

(Of course when I wear a sleeveless dress, I am practicing my first amendment rights - "The right to bare arms")