From the General Presbyter

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”

– Henry David Thoreau

I could really just stop there.

I am sure you have heard about the shootings at the massage parlors in Atlanta, Georgia. A man targeted three businesses and was on his way to Florida to kill more people. His reasoning? He had a sex addiction and was killing those who reminded him of his illness. He looked at the massage places and saw danger. In other words, he blamed others for what was wrong with him.

This should not be strange to us, church friends. Some of us are serial blamers and never take responsibility for much. In our congregational life, we may blame “society” or “the times” for our lack of membership. Or I heard one politician talking about the lack of “family values” which caused whatever, in his opinion, was amiss in America. We see what we want to see.

Sometimes it is “the times” and sometimes, it’s us! We see a problematic world, society, Presbytery, community, etc. but miss the opportunity to examine what is going on within our walls. Here is a good question for your Lenten reflection. If you were a visitor, would you join your church? Why or why not? If no, or if you are iffy, then what would have to change for you to join? If yes, then what makes your congregation so attractive, and how can you get that message “out there?”

– Jackie