We All Need Jesus
The best of saints, the worst of sinners and every bit of in between. We all come for different reasons, but Lord knows we all need Jesus.
For the past few weeks, I have been deeply reflecting on my profound love for the Church. It is an unwavering passion that has been growing stronger within me over time. The more I contemplate and reflect on the Church's teachings, values, and traditions, the more I am convinced that it is an essential part of my life. We are the Church. As the Church, it is our utmost responsibility to embody the essence of the gospel and reflect it in all our actions.
Riley Clemmons perfectly captures the essence of the Church in her song “Church Pew.” She writes, “The best of saints, the worst of sinners and every bit of in between. We all come for different reasons, but Lord knows we all need Jesus.”
As we progress through our Christian journey, we are bound to encounter challenging moments that can cause pain, hurt, and feelings of betrayal. These difficulties can often arise from people around us, including those in positions of authority and leadership. However, we can view these challenges as opportunities for growth and learning and respond with love, grace, and forgiveness. We can continue moving forward on our journey and strengthen our faith. When we strive to reflect the character of Christ in our thoughts and actions, we embody the qualities of kindness, compassion, humility, and selflessness. By embodying these traits, we can live a life guided by Christ's teachings and values, leading to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven existence.
As a person who has been betrayed and falsely accused by a leader in the Church, I can say with certainty that it is a harrowing experience. The feeling of betrayal from someone who you once trusted and respected can be devastating. The false accusations can make you feel helpless, frustrated, and angry as you struggle to clear your name and prove your innocence.
It was not until I realized it was not up to me to clear my reputation but it was God's business. I realized that clearing my reputation was not in my hands but rather in the hands of my Heavenly Father. It was a relieving thought, allowing me to let go of the burden and trust that things would work out according to his will and purpose for my life. I vividly recall sharing my innermost feelings of despair, hopelessness, and frustration with one pastor. She listened intently and offered words of comfort and encouragement. I felt as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Then, this pastor shared a prophetic word from the Holy Spirit, and I was amazed at how it spoke to my spirit. This word gave me renewed hope and a deep sense of peace I had not felt in a long time. She told me: “The Holy Spirit wants you to know that if you open your mouth and fight to clear your name and prove your innocence, he will remain silent. On the other hand, if you remain silent, He will clear your name and prove your innocence.”
The emotional trauma of going through a moral and spiritual trial, where your character is questioned, and your reputation is on the line, can be overwhelming. At times, it can feel like you are bearing an unbearable burden. It is essential for those who have experienced this kind of pain to seek support and guidance from God, from their loved ones, and from professionals who can help them cope with the emotional aftermath of the experience.
As I poured out my pain and burden before God, I recalled the words of Jesus:
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
—Matt. 11:28-30 (ESV)
I entrusted someone who claimed to have spiritual authority with a significant amount of power over my life, only to be trampled and harmed by him. His actions left me feeling powerless and vulnerable as if I had no control over my own life. He intentionally let me know that he was the one who could approve and dictate my actions, not God. I realize I made a grave mistake by giving him such authority, but the damage has already been done. When he unjustly and falsely accused me, my heart was broken, my reputation was trampled, and I knew that the Body of Christ was not responsible for what this minister was doing. It is important to note that this minister's destructive actions and procedures cannot be attributed to Christ or the Father. It would be unfair to hold God accountable for the actions of one individual. Remember to hold those individuals responsible and not shift blame to the one who knows his plans for us, which are for our welfare and not evil, because He intends to give us a future and secure hope.
I've come to understand that it's not the Church as a whole that causes harm, but rather individuals who are still grappling with their own personal struggles. They act out of their own unhealed wounds and pain. They have long forgotten the endless and timeless truth the Master gave us:
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
—John 13:35 (ESV)
It's not about our capability to lead, develop a congregation, expand it, or preach theologically correct sermons; instead, it's about avoiding overestimating ourselves and thinking with clear and rational judgment based on the level of faith that God has given us. (Rom. 12:3, ESV) It is to love each other as ourselves (Matt. 22:36-40), for this is the second great commandment.
This painful experience did not make me bitter at God or the Church. On the contrary, it made me remember that people are persons, each an individual, and every individual bears the image of God; therefore, I am to be more gracious, loving, and caring to them as evidence that my heart is in the right place and has the right motives.
The song I alluded to says, “We all come for different reasons, but Lord knows we all need Jesus.” Let this be a reminder to all individuals, especially those who follow the Christian faith, that there comes a point in life where we must humbly acknowledge and profess our need for Jesus - the ultimate confession. An impactful moment has the potential to guide us towards positive change, instilling a sense of purpose and providing clear direction. Living a life filled with love and purpose is a journey that requires guidance. Jesus serves as the ultimate guide in this journey. His teachings offer insight into how to live in a manner that reflects His love and light. Following Jesus' guidance enables us to embrace a life of kindness, compassion, and selflessness. It's a life centered on Him; as we focus on Him and His word, we find inner peace, and when we allow the Holy Spirit to move in our lives and change us, we will become more like the lover of our souls.