I am currently reading Anne Graham Lotz’s book Wounded by God’s People and am challenged by it. Do we propel our own little versions of Christianity, our own opinions, our own agendas instead of trusting God’s sovereignty and His words to guide us?
There is a whole group out there of ex-church Christians, those who have been hurt by church policies, undue criticism, self-centered attitudes, and stubborn prideful traditionalism that offends seekers who are checking out Christianity in our churches and want no part of churchiosity. We know that go-it-alone Christians are vulnerable, that church shopping rather than commitment to one congregation denies the effectiveness of personal ministry and severs the bonds that connect believers, that small groups do not constitute the need for corporate worship, and that accountability of believers to each other strengthens their walk with the Lord. Why, then, are our churches failing at taking care of its wounded so they feel they must leave the Body?
Anne Graham Lotz uses the story of Abraham, Hagar, and Sarah to explore this topic. I suggest others read it. One of its lessions is that when we are hurt, we often hurt others. She warns: “When we are wounded we need to be very careful about what happens next. Because in the aftermath we are vulnerable to the enmy of our souls who would seek to use us to wound others. Watch out!” It is only natural to lash out, to allow anger to ferment into resentment, to criticize the church, the very Bride of Christ. Instead, we should seek the source of the wounding. Is is our own pride? Is it misinformation? Is it a lack of insight?
It’s no secret the church is made up of sinners. Paul’s attitude is to look introspectively. Christ told us to look for the log in our own eyes before trying to remove the speck in others’. The devil is certainly looking for ways to minimize the church’s message and mission. Let us not provide the ammunition. Let us not war among ourselves. And let us seek those who have left the church to discover why and to try to foster understanding and a caring attitude. We can indeed be the balm in Gilead, and should seek to promote harmony within the Body.
This book is worth the read.
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