I've spent a lot effort trying to convince people that church is not about "us" (believers) and "our wants, preferences, and even needs". In my efforts, I was hoping to encourage people to see church from less of a consumer's perspective and more from the perspective of "priests" (1 Pet. 2:9). Hoping to encourage 'the church' to lay down their rights in order to reach the world, I may have accidentally painted us all into corner that ultimately strands us from Grace. While our maturity should express a spirit of selflessness when it comes to the color, style, structure, and services, may we never be complacent with the message the church is declaring. The programs of the church may not be for you, but the 'good news' that the church has to share is always for you. In fact, sometimes I wonder if 'we' inside the church are more in need of God's grace than those we are trying to reach.
I recently heard a pastor share about a lady that visited his church and responded with an email about how grateful she was to be a part of their community for the day. The reason for her gratitude was, "It was apparent that those of you 'inside' the church needed your message". She was blessed to be a part of a church whose message of Grace was bigger than a one-time salvation for a life of mess-ups. She was excited to see Christians well beyond 'the sinner's prayer', that were just as desperate for grace as those who have yet to believe at all. She appreciated this particular pastor and his church because their gospel was for all people, at all times.
Unfortunately, it is all too easy to feel like the more your churched, the less grace you require; or at least your desperation and dependence on grace is not the same. Thankfully, the measure of God's grace is sufficient for us at all times. It is even big enough to cover us even when we are unaware of how much we need it.
I recently came across a song by Lisa Gungor called "Jesus and John" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6vvqAxjPBE). This song was a powerful reminder of the gift of grace that Jesus came to give us all. It is comforting to know that we can trust God's grace when all else is so untrustworthy. I hope you take some time to listen to this song and be reminded that life and salvation don't come from yourself, your friends, your church, or your merit, but only from faith in Christ. No matter where you are, how long you've known Christ as Messiah, or what you've done for Christ, we all need the GOSPEL message that the church is sharing!
