by Ethel Jean Grubbs

Created on: March 16, 2008   Last Updated: March 21, 2008

Church, a holy place where God resides or is it a place where judgments are thrown at people like the game of dodge ball? In my opinion, both, there is a good side to church and there is a bad side. It's all in ones perception of how they view the action that are being displayed by the church as a hold. I've heard people say that their church is a place where they go to unwind and fellowship with their brothers and sisters, in Christ. On the other, I've heard people say that church is not for them because of money issues and the pointing finger of judgments. The world is a very diverse place to live in as is and then you add religion in the mix with different people thoughts on how one should conduct themselves; you can bet that there will be problems.

Within the union of God, Jesus is compared in the bible to a vine and God compared to a gardener (John 15 1:2). My understanding of this verse is, whether we're involved in a church or not, we still are required by God to produce good fruit (Action). In my opinion, the church is only the middle man when it comes to our relationship with God. Preachers can't say our prayers for us neither can they make us live life according to God's standards. For instance, Joel Osteen is a very motivating Preacher, his words are very encouraging on walking a righteous life with God. However, If I were to listen to one of his sermons and then go and rob someone then his message would have gone in one ear and out the other.

Therefore, the church is a wonderful place to learn of God but, we as human beings have to apply those rules or else it's useless. Trust me, from my personal experiences this is a hard thing to do! In (Matthew 5: 38-39) says 'If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also". Now, how many of us are going to let someone hit, insult or betray us without fighting back? I am a modern day, 2008, Christian and I believe that we as children of God must know how to hold them, fold them,
walk away, run. My definition: Our brains is the spark to all emotion, we must think before we react, meaning, there is a time to retaliate and there is a time to let that person remain in their ignorance. If they haven't learned to treat people how they would like to be treated, then what can you do about it; engage in a heated battle with them? Whoever said that living in this world is easy, must live on a deserted island.

Likewise, the church should be a welcoming place of worship not a place of currency. Don't get me wrong, yes, there is a need for money expenses in the church. Such as: Preacher's salary, light bill, water bill, programs within the church and community help but, Gluttony, God is against 100% (Ecclesiastes 5: 10). Let me say for the record, I'm not the only one that feels this way, I've heard and talked to several people who have these same similar issues with the church. As a result, the church is a place of peace for some and for others they can't find peace. "The question" posed is, should we go to church and my response would be, only if we feel comfortable with any church and it's surrounding.

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