I’m back at home again trying my best to squeeze some brains out of my time (at the same time trying not to wring it too tight it ends up withered like a little prune) - Just to try and put a mental bookmark to some of the thoughts I need to process, as well as some key texts that I need to go through later on.  

Its quite crucial to start off with the right foot, that every initiative of all research done in this ministry isn’t for intellectual debate; but to propel the cause of love, nor it is any of our interests or intention to further create any animosity or differences of opinion between the unchurched and those that consider themselves being part of one. Prayerfully I believe that I might not discover more answers in defence of an institution, but rather the starting point of reconciliation between people within the body of Christ, or for some cases, Christ himself.

Institutionalized Insanity or Liberal Legacy?

Its not an easy task to really approve of what warrants a person to distant from establishments created by men under the name of God. It is even harder for one to recognize leadership under the appointment of God through men without having the slightest doubt that there is a slight hint of possibility we might find ourselves trapped in a misled position where  Psalm 125:3 (sometimes misunderstood & out of context) describes it, “The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil”.

Having said that, I believe that in spite all that can go wrong, there is a higher chance of things going right just by adhering to what people call “general rules”. It doesn’t really take divine intervention (or even rocket science) to prove that there are more harm done in people applying more exceptional rules to themselves without first carefully weighing the consequences that involves the interests of others at large. In understanding that, I believe that serves some guidelines in our response towards the perceptions of an institution, and also the consideration of being part of one. So mainly some questions worth asking might be somewhat like.. “Are my footsteps worth following?” “In the cause I am standing for, does it help advance the kingdom of God, am I laying down a foundation of spiritual paralysis, or am I actively participating in the cause of a better future for the next generation?”

The fluctuating “perfection” in the church

In any case we are not prepared for such a scope of grandiose considerations; maybe its safer that we draw back to things in a much more relational manner. Consider 2 persons falling madly in love for each other- The more one finds their own partner ideal and perfect for one, the more the daunting tension one feels about their own worth. “Am I good enough for him/her?” “How can someone so awesome actually love…a worm like me?” Its these tensions and the occasional delays of those assurances that keeps the passion fueled through time. Everything about the beloved seems to have struck the lover with momentary blindness of every possibly flaw (however much that we rationalize and realize that it is merely an illusion that will be dispelled through time).

The whole idea of the above Illustration, is that the cliche that “nobody/church is perfect” often places more emphasis on the “body” or “church” rather than the word “perfect”. And “perfect”, is always relative unless it is aligned with “Truth” as the benchmark.

If perfect is described as 2 pieces of a puzzle combined, then one would be “needs”, the other “fulfillment”.

We’re not loving as we should be.

Now here’s when it becomes the tricky part. Having embracing that God is perfect and Man is not; it is our issue with perfection that often drives us to disillusionment. When “needs” and “fulfillment” seem to feel unfitting with each other, skepticism seems to slowly unveil towards the “ugliness” that we fail to see from start. But is it a valid reason for us to give up, or is it the best opportunity to take this relationship to a different level of maturity? 

I believe that the first step in discovering the answer is to discover the God centered God we all find in Romans 9:14-16

It very easy to take a loved one for granted once we developed the confidence that we are somehow, lovable(or at least, there’s no reason that I am not to be loved by one who is presumably, perfect anyway).  If aligned to the Truth, at the end of it all, we live in a God centered God with a God centered love rather than a man centered God with a man centered love. We are only disappointed when we have at least the faintest conceit that we are somewhat deserving of love from another; and even worst, that God’s love exists for man- and consequently, the church existing to prove God’s man-centered love.

With that in mind; I do think everything stands to be shaken.

Texts: Rom2:4, Rom.9, Col.1:17 Col 3:14