ChurchChasing

I don't go to church like I used to.
Photo Credit: SNL/NBC Networks

It is difficult to maintain spiritual equanimity on the internet.  When I see that guy who posted a black woman in a ball gag lauded for something else by an unsuspecting admirer, I want to place my religion in a back pocket--again.  Dude caused me to come out of my bag with a hashtag.

I do not like religion.  It does not address my soul.  It is superficial, and most likely will abandon you when you most need it.  I know a man who left work on Friday, drove all night, rested Saturday, took his aging father to the church 800 miles up the East Coast where he can "feel the spirit," and spent all day Sunday driving back home.  As an HVAC guy, he does not have the day off today.  We had a relationship-terminating row when I suggested that Dad might be "church-chasing." Some of you know what I'm talking about. If you've spent any time amidst the "So-Called Saints," you know that there are those who are addicted to the feeling they only get in church.  They may do "Christian works" with people in their own social circle, but don't you dare come to them with a problem!  They'll give you the bum's rush quicker than you can say, "Holy Ghost power!" or "Saved, sanctified, and fire baptized!"

Ran into so .jpg much devilment, I felt a need.

The Body of Christ is intact, as always, but the church is broken.  This same man's mother ignored my outstretched hand the first time I met her.  In church.  I did what I always do when someone snubs my handshake:  I raised a limp wrist to eye level and examined my right hand as if I had never seen it before either.  These people count themselves as staunch Christians, and I guess they are.  Unfortunately, a lifetime in church has turned their favorite child into a prevaricating, masquerading, weak-willed liar.  He discovered that the easiest way to maintain his place in the hierarchy of acceptance was simply to lie.  About everything.  Assuredly, God in His infinite wisdom permitted those lies to produce problems no one but He can solve.

My kids know all about this.  I do my best to keep things real with them on a spiritual level, so that they can know and understand the Holy Spirit as He works within their own lives. Sometimes things look a wreck when He is "working it out for you."  Many times (especially on the internet), a person who puts their trust in Christ will be jeered: as a believer in fairy tales; as a deluded member of a crumbling, non-tech proletariat; as a witless participant in meaningless ritual--and on, and on.  Consequently, I address my faith as "follower of Christ," because Christians are some of the meanest people I know. Quite a few hide small, shriveled hearts behind "shut-ins" and "Rainbow Teas."  Others go home to homes more debauched and dysfunctional than the life of Miley.  That girl used to go everywhere with a Bible.  Now look.  I have her on my PRAYDAR, bigtime.  When she comes back to reality, Christ will be there.  He has not left her.  He never will.  She has definitely checked out on Him for awhile, though.  I shudder to think what might bring her back, poor prodigal chile.

It is faith that makes me believe I can get my son to Europe next year.  I believe that GOD will provide the increase that will make this trip possible.  Does that mean I just piously sit somewhere while God-elves do my work for me?  Nope.  It means I dig deep to grow beyond my limitations.  It means that I come out of my comfort zone and onto the internet, where satan has a major head start.  It is surprising how many people who refuse to worship good will go all out to bow down to the evil one.  It means that I am learning anew what it means to "not be ashamed of the Gospel."  I don't attempt to downplay my faith on the internet.  Not at all.  I am here to tell gay folk that they have a right to the love of Christ, same as me. Sex is temporal, temporary, and something the Almighty designed to keep humans producing offspring in this vale of tears!  You did not need it when you came from God, and you will not need it when you go back.  Any person, straight or gay, can have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If you can walk with Christ as a gay person, by all means, do so!  I know what the Bible says about it.  I'm not God, so I am not in a position to either pardon or condemn you.  If I have to be wrong, I will err on the side of acceptance and love.  As a dear friend once told me, "Gay people do far more damage in the closet than out of it."  My mother gave me the best formula for acceptance when she told a ten-year-old me, "If a person is gay, so what? You ain't gotta wake up next to 'em!"

I don't shun anyone who believes in a faith other than mine, either.  I want respect, so I give respect.  I am not here to convert anyone to anything.  I just want to let my little light shine.  Thank you for taking the time to read this blog.

#FriendsofMalachiMaxwellGlass