Christian Blogs, Millpond Ink Musing
Millpond Ink Musing, 2015 – Today I Smile
Historically, I have complained against the church; finding fault with ministers and hypocritical church goers… enemies to the faith (as if I was any less wrong), but I was justified! I acquired my judgmental attitude when I was a boy after my mother, through no fault of her own, thrust me into hurtful church youth group situations. I never became a part of them; nor did they take me in. I ran as fast as I could to get away. As a re…sult, I spent forty years wandering from church to church; all the while feeling pretty self-righteous as I grew in common grace knowledge of the Bible. I could somehow justify that my relationship with Christ was separate from His people; that is, wherever they were hidden.
Anyway, two years ago, I came out of the wilderness when the Lord graciously changed my life through the sealing of His Spirit. (Ephesians 1:13) A lot has happened since then; mostly growing in His Word under His special grace, but this ‘church thing and my attitude’ is now coming before me for review.
I was wrong. The Scriptures tell me not to forsake assembly with one another. What does it matter if some might be or most might be vain professors? Hypocrites? Sinners in sheepskins? Not that all are, mind you (true humility argues that all should be graciously received) and besides, what is that to me? Jesus said to feed His sheep.
So, while it has taken awhile, the Lord has returned me to a church that I formerly attended, and I know teaches what I am inclined to doctrinally believe at this time. So, not having gone to church consistently and finding fault, I repent! That means now I will go to church and not look for fault. I’ll look for friends. Today? I go to church as did Hannah when she took Samuel to stay with Eli. Today? I will smile at my enemies because I rejoice in His salvation! And maybe with a smile, I’ll find more friends.
