Before you read, I just want you to know that this is not meant to be judgmental toward any of God’s people; it is the truth in love.
There is an epidemic, and it’s on the rise. God has not called His people to a fleeting life of church selection. He has called us to stick. The question every child of God has to ask is this, “Am I stuck?” So, are you?
There are a few things that we absolutely should be stuck to. We should be absolutely stuck to Jesus. We should be absolutely stuck to His Word…and to His will. And I believe we should be absolutely stuck to the church and Pastor God has given us.
I know there are big differences in these two relationships, but I am just as stuck to my church as I am my wife. Guess what? If my wife doesn’t do just what I want her to, or if she hurts my feelings, I’m not going to leave her. I’m just not going to. I’m committed, and my commitment to her is stronger than hurt feelings. Guess what else? If my pastor isn’t perfect, I’m not going to leave him either.
Maybe I’m out of balance in my radical commitment to my church…I don’t know, but I don’t think so. I think a radical commitment to what Jesus said He is building (Matthew 16:18) is a pretty reasonable expectation to fulfill.
Here’s something to think about: We know there are scriptural grounds for divorce, but what about scriptural grounds for leaving a church. I can’t think of any scripture that provides ground for departing from the place of fellowship God has given us. (I’m not talking about being sent out of a church, but leaving one).
Are you stuck?