More Compassion, Less Commandments

                I was glad to see a teenage young man had come to our church for the first time with one of his friends. Then I was pastor at a church near Fort Bragg. He did not grow up in church and wore a cap in the sanctuary, not knowing it was inappropriate. I was just delighted to see him at our church.
                But one of the men of our church rebuked him very sharply and ordered him to take off his hat. The young man just did not know wearing a cap in church was disrespectful. Sadly, the teenager did not continue coming to our church.
                We do have protocol and expectations to which we are accustomed and it is easy to get irritated when they are not followed. But some situations are opportunities to patiently inform rather than rebuke.
                Not too long ago someone asked me if it was acceptable to wear blue jeans to church. I assured them that people often wore them to our church and they would be welcome.
                We welcome all adults, youth, and children. Yes, little ones are prone to running in church or talking during the service. They will sometimes turn around during the sermon to make faces at the people in the pew behind them. We love them so and are delighted to see them in church! I am reminded of what Christ said about children:
Some people were bringing little children to Him so He might touch them, but His disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw it, He was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me. Don't stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Mark 10:13-14, HCSB)
                Once a young lady once told me that her church refused to let her partake of the Lord’s Supper because she was not wearing a white dress. How sad! Christ warned about those who load manmade rules on others as though they were God’s commands:
“They tie up heavy loads that are hard to carry and put them on people's shoulders, but they themselves aren't willing to lift a finger to move them.” (Matthew 23:4, HCSB)
                How much better to be more like Jesus! He saw that everyone carries burdens. I want to have more of the heart of Christ and invite others to come to Him.
"Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28, HCSB)
 
Pastor Pat​