We act prickly when we respond to others out of being offended.
I grew up in a medium-sized city, so I was happily oblivious to the concept of local versus outsider. People transition in and out of cities all the time, and our welcome wagon hearts worked 24/7.
Not so in small, rural, mountain towns.
I entered our church nineteen years ago the wife of a popular, successful local. When he left us and the church two years later, I stayed.
I didn't understand the raw power of the invisible leadership of the church. The pastor was warm and dear and a constant; those who thought the church belonged to them simply quit acknowledging me. I could count those who said hello on Sunday morning on one hand.
I offended this raw power because they tried and convicted me out of their collective reasoning that viewed me as the outsider...the enemy. No good could come out of change or new.
They decided I was a problem and prickly was the collective response.
Prickly runs counter to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Collectively, They celebrate each of their creations, always seeing us with potential and promise. They admire us first, which opens the door of welcome. Though we stumble over and over, the hand of acceptance is always extended.
Prickly cannot extend the hand of acceptance to those who fall short. A church whose most powerful people sit on an invisible panel of judgment render disdain and offense. We know when we are not welcome.
A God-owned church extends welcome and acceptance to any person, regardless of life features. Prickly ceases to thrive and moves on.
Tomorrow: how do we give God ownership of our church?
