Random Noticings

Just in case you are reading this to get an update on Brad, this is not one of those notes. This is just a bunch of random ramblings and thoughts I decided to publish after observing some area churches and reflecting on religion. So if you're into random thoughts and such, this might be of interest. If not, you have been warned!

Churches. Denominations. Religion. Boy can it get confusing. Religion can be tricky. It can change your interests. It can become a country club in which only the elite are accepted. It can disguise a rotting heart. But that was not it's purpose. It was not intended to be a forum to "play house" and divide the polished and unpolished. It was not birthed to develop programs or systems to prove it's worth. It was meant to be the great equator. Where black, white, man, woman, Chinese, Japanese, rich, and poor become one. Simply put; it's worth is enough. It was and is the news that promotes self reflection of our inequities so we may be free from their weight. It is the impetus to understanding and the driver for unreasonable caring. Why? Because we are not so different. Because we have all fallen short. Not just me or you. Everyone under the sun. But do you believe this? It is freedom of shame and a request to free the shamed. It is a lifestyle change, not a diet. Not one in which we pray in public and reveal to others our deep knowledge of the ancient scrolls; then go home and indulge in lust, greed, gossip, and pride. No this religion should be one that exercises for results and models the right personal trainer. JC revealed some amazing methods to His clients. Some have taken it and have used it for self-promotion. Some have crossed His name off the "product" and "service" replacing it with their own. Some have misrepresented it and have packaged it as only achievable with their "product" or "service". Some have misunderstood His practices because they have trusted in the wrong trainer and have found themselves mending a wound. And some may blatantly eliminate the use of His training book and just fill themselves with supplements to achieve the results that they want. But what if His methods are simple and achievable? What if it was more than how good you are or how religious you become? What if you spent some time with JC and asked Him how it's done? What if this was what your religion looked like?

"Treat one another justly. Love your neighbors. Be compassionate with each other. Don’t take advantage of widows, orphans, visitors, and the poor. Don’t plot and scheme against one another." (Zechariah 7:6,9-10)

Maybe today could be a day to be religious doing these things!