A RECOVERING CHRISTIAN AND A HOMELESS GUY MEET

I recently met a fellow who described himself as “a recovering Christian” (like a recovering alcoholic). Raised in the church, he described two experiences that drove him away.
While enrolled at a Christian university and playing baseball, the coach caught him smoking pot. Although he pleaded for mercy from the college administrators, they refused and expelled him.

Secondly, he mentioned homeless people sleeping in church alcoves with locked doors. He quoted Jesus who said inasmuch as you did not give food, water, or shelter to the least of these, you did not give to Me. So he left Christianity because of the traumatic ending of his college and baseball career, and the gap between what Jesus said and what he has seen in churches.

At this juncture, a homeless man chimed in. He told the homeowner that the true church is not an organization with buildings, but an organism with members from all countries who believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior. He advocated focusing on Christ who alone can set us free from sin and the fear of death.

Everyone is experiencing some struggle unknown to us, even if they say everything is "fine". So let us reach out to them with the love and truth of Christ, for time is short, eternity is a very long time, and we are not guaranteed tomorrow.

To God be the glory
Mark Peterson
LifeintheSpirit.net