Re: What we say, what we mean

Hi Forgiven, Isn't it interesting how easily children see beyond the facade that many adults present when they address others. You have pointed up some things that I have thought about many times, but seldom expressed aloud. Many people attend church services on Sunday, and come away with an artificial spiritual high that has been instilled by an artificial worship service, induced by an artificially inspired sermon. They speak with a platitudinous piety to those whom they would go out of their way to avoid on any other day of the week. Very few have had a real touch of the Spirit of God during the service, if, indeed, He is even in attendance. Sometimes I ask myself, "If Jesus were to come back today, where would He go to church?" I have a feeling that He would be "turning over the tables of the money changers" in many of them. They would probably crucify Him all over again, for ripping the cover off sin, as He did two thousand years ago. I can't imagine Him engaging in the idle conversation which takes place at the conclusion of the average Christian worship service. I believe that is a part, however small, of what He meant when He said, "By your traditions you make void the commandments of God." If you aren't genuinely concerned about a person, why say to them, "How are you?" when a simple, "Hello!" would serve the purpose better, and more honestly?… And when you say, "We must do lunch.". what you really mean is, "I have other people I more important to me whom I must impress before I leave." How much of this do you think, if Jesus were here. He would put up with? Would He be constrained by having to say the "right thing"… or would He tell the truth? I think we all know the answer to that. Indeed, if what is done at a church service is so unreal, and only a repetitive ritual, what are they doing there? Why can't we let God take control of the church again, and ask Him for the real cleansing power of the Spirit? As for me, I'm glad I live outside the pattern of the average Christian church, and those who perpetuate the traditional hypocritical amenities. Just my 2˘ worth… Peace, ~Andy