Presence: What If Jesus Were Really Here?

by R. Ashbrook

“That’s another thing,” Jim stood up and started pacing again. “The world we live in exhibits a lot of hostility toward the church and its teachings. People consider us judgmental bigots, because we believe that some behaviors are right and moral and others are wrong and hurt people. This generation wants to do and believe whatever they want and can get really hostile when someone calls them on it. We’ve got the same problem within the church. People have their individual idea about what church should be like. Some want this and others want that. Most come as religious consumers. Everyone’s after something different. Some look for a dynamic youth program. Others expect to be entertained with great music or oratorical preaching. Some want things casual for the younger folks and others like it more formal for the older ones. Instead of listening to what Jesus wants, we take votes and assume the majority knows what’s right. We’re here for us, not for Jesus!”