Know for sure

Perhaps the biggest complaint against the church and one of the most popular reasons given for staying away from it is – hypocrisy.  It is true.  The church is full of people who enjoy the programs, music, tradition, rituals and familiarity of age old customs yet purposefully or ignorantly do not live the Godly lives expected of them.  We do need to remember that people are not perfect and that it is a journey of change and discovery but I am only considering those who don’t even try.  I am reflecting on those who go to church purely to feel better about themselves, to portray a better image of themselves and in an effort to impress God and others.  John, who was a good friend of Jesus, writes that we are to be known as his followers by growing in our obedience to God and increasing our compassion to everyone just as Jesus was.  This is a whole of life experience not just one day a week for a few hours at church.