Representing Jesus, not the "Church"

While driving to an appointment, recently, I was listening to a call-in, religious, radio program.  A pastor was fielding questions, when this query came in.  The caller asked if it was morally acceptable to attend the wedding ,of a close cousin, who was marrying a woman outside of the denomination he was raised in.  You could hear the angst in the questioner’s voice, she really wanted to go, but also wanted the approval of her church before deciding.  I was shocked when the pastor replied that it was not only wrong, but sinful to go to either the ceremony or the reception.  He went on to say that the wayward cousin had to be made aware that what he was doing was out of God’s will, and by not attending he would get the point. Hmmm.  I don’t know about you, but I disagreed…a lot!!!   For me, the action seemed so unlike Jesus, and so much like man trying to act in Jesus‘ stead.

Why do we feel so responsible for judging other peoples lifestyle choices?  Are any of us that perfect?  Now let’s think about the future results of this harsh decision.  When the groom looks out, on his wedding day, at the congregation, his eyes searching for loving family members, he sees no one there to support, and rejoice with him.  How do you think that will make him feel?  And what about afterwards, that first family reunion will be a cool one indeed, if he and his bride attend at all. Additionally, I can’t imagine that he will be returning to his childhood church.  I was reminded of the reaction of some religious people to Jesus when he invited himself to the home of Zacchaeus. “A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” Luke 19:2-7.  All they could see was the sinner, not the man eagerly seeking a savior. And what about the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears, the woman caught in adultery, or the Samaritan woman he met at the well?

 Those scenes all caused considerable tongue wagging, as we know, but Jesus held out his hand in love and friendship. That is not to say that he approved or condoned their lifestyles, but when they chose to believe in him, they all changed, of their own accord, without the condemnation of “righteous, churchy folk”. Obviously we shouldn’t partake in ungodly ceremonies or situations, and believe me God will let you know what those are if you inquire!  But please remember, we may be the only Jesus some will ever encounter, so let’s represent him as he really is.