The princess and I went to a parent/tot gymnastics class yesterday.
No I do NOT do any gymnastics-my job seems to be to keep her from falling off any of the big equipment!
Well, for Halloween they had a big inflatable scary castle type thing that the kids could walk through.
While B was standing outside the entrance trying to decide if she was REALLY going in there, a little girl put her hands on her hips and very boldly and loudly proclaimed 'YOU CAN'T COME IN, YOU CAN'T BE PART OF MY KINGDOM!'
B, just looked at me and chose to move on to something else. While we were walking away, the little girl called out to us and said 'Come back and play with me!'.
Well, B did -eventually-but it took her awhile to decide if she was really welcome in there and if she felt 'safe' enough to go in with Little Miss Bossy Pants.
(BTW, I've been the parent of the bossy kid -I get it they're kids and learning and frankly I was just glad it wasn't me this time doing the tough parenting)
However, it did get me thinking. How often do we stand at the door of our churches, look people up and down and then declare that they can't be part of the kingdom?
Oh, we're more sophisticated than to say those exact words out loud, but we can convey our meaning clear enough.
Not dressed they way we'd like to be, lots of baggage from past mistakes that have left a rocky path in their wake.
And just as they are thinking that perhaps this isn't the safest place for them, we call out and try to tell about Jesus. And then we wonder why they don't want they don't want anything to do with him.
I know I've been Miss Bossy Pants before.Often.
Oh, to be the person others only see Jesus when they look at me.
That our churches would be warm and welcoming to every weary soul that has gathered enough courage to enter our doors so that they will become part of the Kingdom .
When I read the promise of Jesus in Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Not only does it give me encouragement it also reminds me that life is hard and those who are coming to Jesus are weary and burdened. And sometimes, when you are those things you might be tough and hard on the outside.
But, if Jesus called them to come, who am I to say 'you can't be part of My Kingdom'?
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5 comments:
Great thought for us to consider. I'm glad I've gotten beyond that in my life. But I need to keep on my guard:)
Excellent post! Very convicting! I, too, want people to only see Jesus when they look at me, but I sometimes forget that in the midst of my day, whether it be Sunday or any other day. Oh Lord, that we might be Your hands and feet to this hurting world!
Stacey
it is the number one problem in our comfortable suburban worship centers. . . good blog, thanks for writing it.
Very well said, Angie!
I too hope and pray that others see Jesus in me; and when I goof up I pray that they will be able to see that although I am a completely, imperfect human, my hope in Christ is still something they desire.
I think one of best things we do for the cause of Christ is to be genuine and open and honest with our struggles.
When we mess up, say it.
The hands and feet of Jesus were always busy serving others. Me He find me doing the same.
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