Author Archives: Kevin

Ladies and Gentlemen, Ive always loved church.  OK…except maybe for those early teenage years when it was Superbowl Sunday. As i become more of an adult however church has become more and more important in my life. It’s the central place where we as Christians can come together and worship our savior, praise his name, and a place to share the gospel and what he has done for us.  But one thing has always sorta bugged me when it came to church. When i think about it its really more about the people that attend.  Its what i can only describe as pride.  No, this is not about any specific individuals or congregations because Ive been around and apart of many.  Also this is not an anti-church rant so please just hang on while i explain.  You see I’m not talking about the clothes that people wear, or the cars that they drive, or the houses that they live in.   It has nothing to do with personal possessions or accomplishments and how someone may outwardly express them. You see pride is not always about boasting, sometimes its about not revealing things that we should to others.  You see the biggest problem I have with church people at times are that they seem unable to reach out to their brothers and sisters in Christ in times of need.  Furthermore this tends to postpone potential breakthrough of their situation simply because they refuse to ask for help when in a Christian atmosphere it is readily available.  I believe in the power of prayer, and I do believe that God can touch someone through times of private prayer.  However i believe that God put us all here together for a purpose.  Nobody is perfect and we’ve all walked though our share of valleys along the way.  It’s through those experiences that we are made stronger. And its through the wisdom of those experiences that God has given to us that I believe we can lift each other up and make each other stronger.  Frustratingly, so many seemingly do all they can to avoid the support that God has provided us.  We’ve all seen the types.  Those with perfect families and individuals who seemingly on Sundays have the perfect life.  Those who seemingly have the perfect job, health, etc.  For everyone though into each life some rain must fall.  And if your like me in some cases when it rains,  it pours.  Sadly most people will wait until they are nearly drowning before they stretch out their hand for help from others. Many times i have pondered why exactly this is.  Perhaps it is social standards that have taught us that nobody likes anyone with a negative attitude or anyone that brings up conversations or events that reflect negative thoughts or feelings.  Perhaps it is shame, and being afraid of what others might have to say.  Whatever it may be, no reason is enough not to reach out to others in times of need.  The bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” My point is this, do not let foolish pride keep you from obtaining the blessings of God.  Do not allow pride to keep you mired in a pit of depression.  Do not allow pride to prevent the love and the grace of God to be shown through fellow Christians toward you or toward someone else through you.  The next time you are hurting, tell someone.  Ask for their help and their prayers.  Chances are that they have walked the same path as you have.  Perhaps you came through your valley and see someone coming along on that same path.  Share your story.  Pray for them. You never know the impact that your words of encouragement may have.  I have had to teach myself lately to not be ashamed of the difficulties that i face because you never know who God has placed in your life to help bring you through.  I lost my job nearly 5 months ago and while Ive never panicked, there are some days that worry sets on my mind.  There are days when depression wants to set in.  Even though I have faith in God and continue in prayer believing he will see me through, it is so easy for doubt to enter my mind.  It is then God sends someone along with a prayer or an encouraging word that strengthens my soul.  So please my brothers and sisters in Christ pray for me and ill do the same for you.  May God Bless you all.