Devotional
–Inspired by a Facebook post from a friend, former pastor and mentor, Brother Tommy Chapman, Powder Springs, GA — edited by Ed Smith

The pastor says they sit front and center. The gay boys. Sometimes they hold hands. And some folks have said he should address the issue. But the pastor tells me he doesn’t know what to say.
Then, there’s the man who sneaks in the back door. Fresh off the street. After the service starts. And leaves before alter call. The people sitting close complain about how bad he smells. Of beer and smoke and sweat. But the pastor tells me he doesn’t know what to say.

And then, there’s the matter of the young mama who appears not to have taken a bath in weeks who brings her four kids and lets them eat all the donuts and drink all the watered-down juice that we prepared for Sunday School. Some church staff say they “…eat like little pigs. Like they haven’t eaten in weeks.” While the mama just stands there and lets them. And the elders say something must be done and said. But the pastor tells me he doesn’t know what to say.

Well, there’s also that nasty whore who comes in and sits among the faithful. Everybody there knows her. She sits with a painted-up face, cheap perfume, and a broken heart. And those who sit close, well, they all treat her for what they think she is. And at the last staff meeting, her name came up. Something must be done about her. But the pastor tells me he doesn’t know what to say.
Now, our pastor is a good man. Holy and just. And he wants to do the “right and loving” thing by all these people.  He says he wants to “look like Jesus.”  Then, he asks me if I have any thoughts on anything he could share.

Yes, dear sweet Pastor. I do.
Start with this and say it Louder than anything else you say:
“Welcome to God’s Church.  Here, we will offer you Jesus.  His healing, his restoration power and His redemption from the abyss.  This is a place where God’s love will fill you with His Hope, and most of all, offer to you forgiveness and restoration if you’ll accept it.  We will be food for the hungry, provide God’s. Living water for those who are thirsty.
We are so glad you are here. You are welcome here. You are loved.  In fact, we’ve been waiting for you to come. You are welcome at this church.”

Pastors, say that to your people from the pulpit and in conversation.  Say it to the called and say it to those who are called-out.   Say it to the leaders and the greeters. Say it to the teachers and the staff.  Say it to the public loud, clear and distinctly.  And, say it too the dirty as well as the clean. We are all the same. And, remember when you say it to the destitute, the homeless and the dirty and sinful that this fact will not change, “If not for the Grace of God, there go I.”

Pastor, may our church blow the dust of religion out of our souls and choose God love and God’s Grace instead. May our words and actions and reactions build a sanctuary where anybody who enters herein may sense the presence of Christ  —  even from miles away, and when they do walk through our doors, may the Spirit of God’s presence be so overwhelming and overpowering of sin that nobody can leave without the chance to make things right with their Creator.  And, let me do my part to see this happens.

Jesus broke many laws in order to love sinners. So, Jesus, be our voice.  Be our only Guide to reaching the lost.  Let YOUR WORDS be the only words we ever speak.  We MUST DO BETTER at looking out for each other instead of shoving people out the door and into the waiting gates of hell.