Thought of the Day !!

Nate hasn’t been to church since he had a falling out with some of the people in the church about ten years ago. It was over something simple. Nate had wanted to change something in the church. There was a disagreement, and the discussions got heated, and instead of thinking about what was best for the church, the issue got to be a personal one of me verses you…. So he left.

One day, the brand new pastor that had just been appointed to Nate’s church, comes by to see him. The first thing out of old Nate’s mouth is, “I don’t mind you coming around pastor, but don’t try to get me to come back to that church.”

But as the visit goes on, the pastor can see that it’s evident that Nate is missing his church and wants the matter to be healed. Of course, pride is getting in the way. Finally, Nate says that if they want him to come back, somebody’s going to have to give a formal apology in front of the whole congregation.

Well, what happens is this. As the pastor is leaving, he writes something down on a piece of paper…folds it…and gives it to Nate as he walks out the door.
The note read, “God wants to heal you. All you have to do to be healed is come to church Sunday with an attitude of forgiveness. It’s that simple.”

Nate thought about this for the rest of the week and finally came to a decision. He’d try it. So he showed up at church on Sunday morning…walked into the sanctuary…and sit down on the back pew. The ones around him looked at him and told him that they had missed him and was glad to see him. Then the service began. After it was over, Nate had gotten a better feeling about coming back. He was feeling forgiveness in his heart, and at that very moment, the one who had opposed him the most…the one whom he had almost come to blows with ten years ago…stood before him. Neither said a word for a moment. They just looked at each other. And then, much to Nate’s surprise, the other reached out and hugged him.

Nate was healed that Sunday morning, but only because he was convinced to come on God’s terms, and not on his own.

I came upon this story that I wrote for a sermon a long time ago and decided to share it today for our devotion. As I thought about what scripture verse to use, it occurred to me that this is what the Bible as a whole is trying to teach us. If we will love each other and forgive each other, coming to God on His terms instead of ours, then our lives will be much richer.

There are Nates in the world who've left the church and never come back. There are also Nates in churches today who won't let go, holding on to their deep grudges.

Have you ever had a Nate in your church? Could it be that you've been (or are) a Nate right now? God's message to each of us this morning is that His ways are much better than our pettiness. It's about time we all give in to Him.

In the love of Christ,
greg