July 16, 2001
TOGETHER:
Is there anything helpful under your steeple?
___She had lost both parents in an automobile accident. In sorrow and despair, she walked onto a bridge to take her own life. She stood by the railing preparing to jump into the river below. Then she looked into the distance and saw a church steeple rising high above the other buildings. Slowly, she made her way to the church. Finding the pastor, she poured out her pain and anger. Finally she asked, "Is there anything under this steeple to keep me from going back to the bridge?"
___People want to know if there is anything that will push back the darkness. Hurting people, surprised by how deep wounds can be, cry out to God for something that makes sense, that eases the pain and quiets the turmoil within.
CHARLES WADE
Executive Director
BGCT Executive Board
___When people go to church, it is not automatic that they will find something to keep them alive. When Jesus went to the temple in Jerusalem late in his ministry, all he found under those towers were people taking advantage of others while they pretended to serve them. Paul scolded the Christians in Antioch for living under the low ceilings of works righteousness and not in the great room with the high steeple of grace calling them to gratitude and greatness.
___So what is under your steeple?
___First, there is truth. Never underestimate the value of having a true word from the heart of God. Every time I stand by an open grave to read words of comfort to grieving hearts, I give thanks that I have more to offer than pretty words or sentimental stories. I can speak the truth: "God knows your sorrow. God is working out his purposes. You are important to him. Jesus has gone to prepare a place for you and he will not leave you alone" (Romans 8:18-29; John 14:1-6).
___Second, there is light shining in darkness. People want to understand. They know you may not have all the answers, but they want to know if you have any. God cares about helping people understand what they can. He has asked us to love him with our minds as well as our hearts. God's story is infinitely satisfying to the mind (Matthew 22:37).
___God's word tells us that God created the world. He created man and woman to have fellowship with him. Sin invaded the human heart and left us with brokenness, confusion and guilt. God sought us from the beginning and finally came himself in Jesus Christ to make sure we know that he loves us and does not want to lose us (Genesis 1:1, 27; 3:1-9; John 3:16-21).
___Third, there is the love of the church family. Those who have been loved have love to give away.
___Sometimes when people can't hear or understand the truth, they can piggyback a ride on another's faith. They can do that when they experience genuine love coming their way. Your love can hold people close to God until they can feel his breath and pick up on the rhythm of his heart and believe for themselves (Mark 9:19-24; Ephesians 4:32-5:2; James 2:8-19).
___Fourth, there is God's gift of prayer. You can pray for the brokenhearted and despairing soul. To hear someone call your name in prayer is a miraculous thing. God rides the wings of our prayers and ministers grace and wholeness to frightened, angry or guilty lives (James 5:15-16).
___There is a lot under that steeple.
___We are loved.
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