A Cautionary Tale ......

Hebrews 10 :23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

I don't think anyone goes through life without a few regrets. Who can look back and not say , man what was I thinking. But what I want to share is one of the biggest regrets of my life.

Back about 14 years ago , I was involved in a church plant that went sour. I was deeply involved , so when it happened ,I was broken and hurt . Full of pride and unable to see my own culpability , I played the self righteous card . I held all the right doctrines, and all our local churches were a "den of vipers" . So I stayed away. Thinking I could be a "lone ranger" christian .

But that was a major mistake. My pride led me to a fall . My sin over took me and I even began to argue against what I used to hold . All my sinful habits began to swell up inside me again , I felt conflicted at times. Hating and loathing myself .I had given the enemy a foothold , and my flesh did the rest. Oh I tried to maintain some sense of religious duty . At Christmas I would tell my boys about Jesus, and at Easter would do the same.

Finally, I began to see my sins, but still would not budge to go back to church . I was still struggling with my inner demons , those sins that ate at me till it all came to a head. Absolutely failing at work , not caring , not doing what was right , and then my precious wife getting cancer . It all came to a huge collapse. It cost me dearly . My job ,and a dear friend that I hope one day I can reconcile with .

I was humbled and broken. But through it , I have been brought back to a friend, who I truly missed. A church that I love, and a love for God that is more profound and deeper.

So a word to the wise . If you confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior , then love His church. Find one you can go to . Sure it will not be perfect . You are there , and you are a sinner . But it is His church and he bled for it. It is a community of saved sinners , walking the pilgrims road . It will hold you accountable,teach you,love you and allow you to worship the God who gave Himself so that you might live.

If I had to do it over , I would have swallowed my self-righteous , hypocritical pride and acknowledged my sin, and need for the Church. You cannot be a lone ranger christian , for we are meant to be in community.Never forget that.