Today’s Thought “Just As I Am?” G. Ward

 

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

 

Walking the aisle at any local church for a potential congregant can be utterly horrific. Regardless of the church size, it more than likely appears that the edifice is the largest cathedral ever. People seem to stare in judgment, perceiving you’ve murdered or suffer with a major addiction of sorts. Many with sporadic praise clap their hands once the walk begins, further announcing, “Here they come now!”

Although the word of God was fully captivating and their heart was entirely receptive to Holy God loving them, all the attention could have subtracted from what was to be the most spiritual moment ever to conclude that everyone else appears perfect and experience perfect submission (i.e. “We’ve just come to see another heathen saved!”).

I would like to see our many congregations formulate a more comfortable approach for the new convert. Perhaps we can make this decision time more palatable by positioning various encouragers throughout or worship centers to accompany those coming to faith; it certainly substantiates the interdependence meant for man. Moreover, it connotes the theological expression given by Holy God that demands He is a present help in difficulty (Ps.46:1) and that His presence is everlasting (Heb.13:5).

Some will immediately construe this as compromising. My defense, I feel, would be marginalized due to preconceived suppositions obscuring what could be traditional hazards. More imperative to contemplate is that misapplied passages like Romans 1:16 that demand our not being ashamed of the gospel has nothing to do with our non-gregariousness. People need to know the Lord. If your protocol within worship service time impedes man’s first steps toward God, change it. Happy Thursday!