A Dishonerable Distance

When you hear the phrase “Daddy God” what comes to mind?

To some, you might think of a moment where you embraced God’s tender intimate love for you. To others the hair on the back of your neck stand up on end in irritation.

Similarly, In the song Reckless Love, are you sloppy wet, or unforeseen?

Modern worship, or hymns only?

Some people yell out in worship because it’s fun, some people yell because they are being set free.

Some people dance because they like the attention, Some people dance because it is their joy offering to God.

Some people sit still and listen to a worship song or sermon, reflecting on the words deeply and letting them minister to their hearts.

Some people sit in their seat, waiting for church to be over, and wishing that the church had less of this entertainment or ted-talk nonsense.

Both groups can worship and have reverence towards God, both can fall into the trap of making an Idol of how they express it.

I’ve done, I’ve heard, I’ve seen, I’ve judged, I’ve learned, and I’ve repented.

I’ve seen a chasm develop in the church, between the the more charismatic expressive people who follow God and the more reserved quiet followers.

I’ve heard judgment from leaders and lay people in regard to those who lean in a different direction than themselves. The Charismatic would say “Whats wrong with you? Are you dead inside?” The reserved would say “What’s wrong with you? Is this all a big joke or a stage show to you?” Both sides can lean into the stereotypes, letting the poison of “us vs them” creep into the body.

I have seen the Spirit of God move amongst both groups, I’ve seen lives changed, and people restored to God in both loud and quiet church.

I’ve also seen death thrive amongst both groups, where, based on the lack of the fruit of the spirit and an absence of the love of God towards others around them, It seems that “how” they worship and show reverence to God has surpassed the importance of the God that they are called to worship and revere.

It’s easy to judge quickly based on outward expressions. Keep in mind I said easy, not right.

If only it was as easy to see the REAL problems in our OWN hearts as it is to assume the imagined problems festering in the hearts of others. God forgive us of our judgment of others! God forgive us for making an idol out of our expressions of our faith!

Reader, God gave us His son to die so that we could have everlasting life WITH HIM. I’ve experienced God’s love in both the unforeseen, and sloppy wet kisses. I know God as the ALMIGHTY HOLY POWERFUL CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE, and I also call Him my Dad. The point is not in the expression, It is in the fact that I can now meet with God whenever, wherever.  I have bold access through Christ to go see my Dad in Heaven whenever I want. I can get to know the one who made me.To get to know Him for who He Is, and how HE chooses to reveal Himself to me. And the more that I get to know Him, the more I love Him. And at times it makes me dance. At times it makes me yell. At times it makes me sit in the silent places and just be in awe of who He is.

It is irreverent to treat God as a side show, or an onramp to your own self importance. It is also irreverent to live at arms reach with Him, out of some fear of becoming “too familiar” with the God who intentionally chose to reveal himself to us in overwhelmingly familiar ways.

It doesn’t matter if your white washed tombs are painted flat white, or bedazzled with rhinestones. Settling for anything less than deep communion with God and with each other rejects the very reason for Christs death and resurrection. Death is death. The trap lies on both sides.

Our relationship with God and each other must not be taken lightly, It is a deep real powerful thing. Anything less than that dishonors everything He is and has done for us. Don’t dishonor Him by creating distance between you and Him, and between you and others. Draw near to Him, and He will draw near to you. Embrace your siblings as they are and press forward together to change, grow, and become more like the one who made you.

Be Blessed.

Phil Morris