Feeling like an outsider

Sitting in my office, basking in the afterglow of Easter Sunday.

I have often considered myself a bit of a misfit in ministry. I'm not really very familiar with the religious side of Christianity. My experience has stemmed more from a love of the Bible, and a desire to faithfully follow Christ, which led to a serious study in theology. I kind of jumped over the "go to church," "be religious," "learn the traditions," steps of most people with Christian faith. So I must confess, many of the religious practices of many churches leave me mystified. A few months ago I researched the odd practice of Ash Wednesday, trying unsuccessfully to find an appropriate application of the practice that could be considered biblical. It seems pretty far removed from the heart of biblical Christianity. This of course led to the "celebration??" of lent. A tradition that almost all of my Christian friends participated in, and I could not help but feel it communicated a message quite contrary to the grace that is found in the Bible. I do not want to suggest that any of my brothers and sisters in Christ who derive any joy or spiritual strength from these practices should stop doing them. Rather I am concerned that many churches and Christians practice these rituals without any true thought to the significance of the actions on themselves, or others. We (Christians) have seemed to be so in love with the organization of church, it has replaced a passionate love for Christ. Many people I know gave up something for lent as an attempt to lose weight, or as a challenge for their self-discipline, or in some cases "just for fun." It is times like these that make me feel like an outsider to the church. I just don't get the attraction.

All that to say, what a wonderful Good Friday/Easter weekend I enjoyed as a pastor at Harbor Church. It was so enjoyable to reflect on the sacrifice of Christ and the impact of his resurrection on humanity. The actual, historic, and biblical events formed the backdrop for a time of introspection and worship. I am grateful to God for the fact that he reaches different people in different ways. He reached me over 30 years ago, as a teenager who did not give a thought about the spiritual or eternal world. He continues to reach me as an adult who can't stand religious tradition. I do not believe that my opinion is right or wrong. I recognize it is an opinion, therefore just a preference, but I am glad that God can touch the heart of a man with preferences such as I have. As you read these words, I pray that God might touch your heart just as you are.