There’s a young man I know who’s been in a wheel chair all of his life. He’s a nice young man of about 25 years old, but he’s got a couple of peculiar things about him. Since he cannot talk and doesn’t have any control of his body, or his body functions, he can make some really freaky sounds. What’s worse is that it is not uncommon for him to smell bad. His mom and dad probably do all they can to keep him clean, but he’s a full grown man now. I’m sure it’s not easy for them to even get him into the tub. And unlike most folks, it’s probably not feasible for him to take a shower every day. As I was thinking about my young friend, I started to wonder, would he be welcome in most churches on any given Sunday morning? The noises he makes would probably unnerve most pastors and priests, and his smell might really make some heads turn. I wonder though, what would Jesus say about it? Since churches are supposed to be filled with people focused on following Jesus, I started wondering why the crowds that form at most of our places of worship don’t look much like the ones who followed Jesus during His earthly ministry. Recently, I heard another minister speak who had the same realization. Why is this happening? Is it that our churches are not welcoming of people who “smell” or “look” different than us? If so, we’ve strayed far from our Lord’s instructions! The point of church is not to get all dressed-up and hang out with your friends. The point of church is to worship Jesus and celebrate what we’ve received by His Grace. When that happens–when it TRULY happens, our churches will be filled with people looking for help… and looking for love! As for my young friend, he can sit by me anytime he wants to come to my church! “Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them.” Matthew 15:30 In Christ, PastorJimKilby @Kilbin8er Jim@JamesKilby.com
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