A beautifying project on the main road of my town prompted the
demolition of a church built in the 1930s. Although the windows of the empty
church had been removed, the doors remained in place for several days, even as
bulldozers began knocking down walls. Each set of doors around the church
building held a message written in giant, fluorescent-orange block
letters: KEEP OUT!
Unfortunately, some churches whose doors are open convey that same
message to visitors whose appearance doesn’t measure up to their standards. No
fluorescent, giant-size letters needed. With a single disapproving glance, some
people communicate: “You’re Not Welcome Here!”
How people look on the outside, of course, is not an indicator of what
is in their hearts. God’s focus is on the inner life of people. He looks far
below the surface of someone’s appearance (1 Sam. 16:7) and that’s what He
desires for us to do as well. He also knows the hearts of those who appear to
be “righteous” but are “full of hypocrisy” on the inside (Matt. 23:28).
God’s message of welcome, which we are to show to others, is clear. He
says to all who seek Him: “Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters” (Isa.
55:1).
No one will know what you mean when you say, “God is love” – unless you show it. (RBC)
