Our heartfelt worship service shifted into fervent prayer. Then the pastor proceeded to the podium as the congregation sat down. I reached for my Bible and journal, anticipating a sermon full of good news. From the corner of my eye, I noticed a three-inch mended tear in the seat cushion next to me. Now distracted, I inspected the defect that, in my opinion, ruined the entire pew.
My perception of the less than perfect pew fabric centered on distaste and disdain. While glaring at the gash and wondering how it got there, I sensed God speaking to my heart. He uttered His words of life into the moment, transforming my thoughts.
Immediately my heart softened over this perfect example of imperfection. Here we all sat—patched up people—yearning for renewed life. Ripped, stained, stitched, and mended, we came to worship the Savior who restores. Do we attend church to flaunt our perfections? No, we bring our flaws and blemishes to the Great Physician for repair. Church should be a place for healing, not haughtiness.
Why do church people tend to judge? Many outsiders refuse to go to church because of the hypocritical nature of the righteous ones. Instead of being filled with judgment, we should be full of mercy. It’s what Christ offers all of us when we repent. He is our perfect example of merciful grace and forgiveness.
Church buildings dot the landscape of many communities all over the world. The cross stands upon a steeple on some while others display a storefront facade. But a building is only a building—it’s what’s inside that counts (like our hearts). The word church comes from the Greek word ekklesia which means assembly or called-out ones. The true Church is the body of Jesus Christ and He is the head (Ephesians 1:22-23). The Church is comprised of broken people who believe in Him, the Savior of the world.
Once again I glanced at the tear and pictured a hospital full of damaged patients—disappointed, depressed, dejected, despondent, downcast, disgruntled people, even hypocrites. All enter the church doors to encounter Jesus Christ, our Counselor and Physician. He laid down His life to heal our broken lives. As our resurrected Intercessor, He presents His Church to Almighty God. Having confessed our sins and professed faith in Jesus, we stand before our Lord God changed from tattered rags to pristine attire.
As the praise band began to sing, I realized I had missed the pastor’s sermon. But God had perfectly illustrated to me a valuable lesson. His true Church comprises wounded but repaired people making known the love of Christ, not pretentious individuals pointing in judgment. Restoration occurs when a person meets Jesus with honest repentance. The merciful grace He offers to us is the same merciful grace we must extend to others.
So bring to church your rips and stains. Allow Jesus the Great Physician to mend your hurts and pains. Praise Him with thanksgiving for His healing touch. Then go into the world sharing the good news of Jesus’ saving grace.
“Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed;
save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.
Jeremiah 17:14 (NIV)”