Finding the Right Church
Looking for the right church is like looking for the right wife. There are plenty out there, but only one you can live with. And even that will not be a perfect union. The first thing you learn, if it is to be a good and lasting marriage, is there will be a lot of give and take. And many times, more of one than the other. Churches, like a wife, are not perfect.
The only church Jesus ever pastored had a member who could cuss a blue streak, (Peter); and another was a real pessimist, (Philip); there were two hot-headed brothers, (James and John); also, there was the classic doubter, (Thomas). And yes, a turncoat, (Judas).
As someone has said, “If you find a perfect church, don’t join it. Let them stay that way.”
Each, according to their own conscience and the light they have, must decide as to the flock they will fellowship with. Most certainly, those with children cannot give on many things that those without, are able to. It’s an important and individual decision, not to be criticized by the other! The assembly Jesus customarily attended left much to be desired, but He could handle it. Not all could then, or can they now.
There are checks and balances, the translation used, the standards held, the type of songs sung, can, for many, be borne, if there is a genuine scriptural spirit of love. It is possible to find the many things you're seeking for in a church, but if this one thing (love) is missing, you will end up miserable, and dreading to attend what Jesus loved and died for!
Warren Wiersbe has said, “I find God blesses those with whom I disagree.” And so have I, my friend. There are some wonderful loving, caring people out there that may not have the light I do, but who have, and excel me, in the type of love Jesus spoke of.
If you were to ask me why (when I was able) I drove an hour (one-way) to church each Sunday, my reply would be that of the little urchin, when asked by a near-by pastor why he walked across town to go to D.L. Moody’s church (when there were so many others closer by)? His reply was, “Oh, mister, they really love a little fella over there!”
"IN ESSENTIALS, UNITY; IN NON-ESSENTIALS, LIBERTY; IN ALL THINGS, CHARITY.~ Generally attributed to Augustine
by an Old Disciple
Amazing that this came out right when I was about to visit a new church! We’ve been in a wilderness as far as fellowship goes in our area. Plenty of church buildings around but I keep finding one blemish or another to pass on them. So most likely I need to just look for love and go from there. Thank you.