I remember being a young girl and riding the church van with my grandmother to her church in JAX, FL. I was dressed to the “T” with my dress, the white ruffled socks and my shiny shoes. As a child I didn’t care nor understand the importance of why we were there. I can remember my grandmother having a purse full of soft peppermints to give me so I would behave. I didn’t know the reason we had to go so often, though I knew it was a big part of her life. Looking back, I’m blessed to have had a praying grandmother. She still is.

As I got older, the church visits faded completely. I was smack dead in the middle of my adolescence with no spiritual guidance. Prayer? What was that? I wasn’t being led. I was very lost. I started developing issues within myself. Serious issues.

By the time I reached college, I was gone. I would act without thinking. I would go out, party, drive home drunk, etc. I thank God that I never ended up in jail, or worse- dead. Thinking back, I know that it was God’s grace that kept me, even when I wasn’t keeping myself. He covered me and I didn’t even care enough to acknowledge him. How selfish. I wasn’t a bad person, I just didn’t have a good spirit. I’m so glad that He seen me for who I really was- a lost, young girl just wanting to be loved.

I am so thankful for a seasonal friend of mine for inviting me to church back in 2010 during those low days in my life. The Holy Spirit touched me. That same night I started praying (It wasn’t easy for someone like me- I didn’t know where to start). My life has never been the same since that day. Over the past almost seven years, a day hasn’t passed where I’m not acknowledging, praising, and worshipping my God. There is no person who could convince me that the written word isn’t true. There is no person who could convince me that Jesus isn’t who the Holy Bible says He is.

I’m far from perfect, but one thing I won’t do is act wrongfully towards a person intentionally. I truly believe that I will reap what I sow. I respect my elders. I respect my leaders. I respect others. I respect myself.

Here is why we shouldn’t let one’s position in the church fool us:

Last year, I had a pastor look me in my face and state: “Well, honestly, I wasn’t interested in meeting you.” A pastor. Of a whole church. A leader. Of a congregation. This is someone’s spiritual advisor. This is who someone calls when they want prayer on a very serious matter. This is a mother. A grandmother. This comment blew my whole mind. Especially, being that I had never met this person a day in life and we’d never talked. She just “heard” about me from a liar who she was very interested in helping to keep their secrets.

I’ve known “church” men to deliberately lie about being single to commit adultery on their wives. I’ve known “church” men to make babies and hide them to save their name and their character while allowing the young woman who was lied to and manipulated to look like she was a consenting, home-wrecking side-chick. I’ve known “church” women to completely overlook and show no regard or respect to the First Lady, yet fully and wholeheartedly worship the Pastor. I’ve known “church” men to suggest abortion for the child they created in hopes to keep their “slip up” a secret. I’ve known “church” women to gossip and pass judgement on lost souls instead of trying to help them. I’ve known “church” men to lie about how many children they’ve fathered. I’ve known “church” men/women that are controlling, manipulative, deceitful, and just plain worldly that sit in director’s chairs and never miss a service. These same “church” men/women have yet to convict, confess, or repent their sins. Bury and let pass seems to be the solution.

There is nothing more disheartening than witnessing these actions from people who hold position in the house of God. The part that I dislike the most is that it’s hidden. People look up to these people. They look up to people who are just like them, yet they just shout louder and have perfect attendance.

As I stated, I’m very imperfect. I’m flawed. I’m under construction. My holy chart doesn’t have many (if any) stars on it, but I love Christ. I talk to Him every day. I don’t wrong people. I don’t mistreat people. I have a good, full heart that loves way too deeply, way too fast. Like a lot of people, I have issues. I’m not competing for a marked chair in the sanctuary. If I’m there, I’m doing well enough. My authentic, untampered relationship with Christ is my only concern; what people think… is not.

Stay close to your bible. Be prayerful. Forgive quickly. Love deeply. Show mercy. Attend church, but worship God- not man. Pay your tithes. Stop judging. Do right by people. Remember, what defines our character is who we are when no one is looking.

• Note: There are some beautiful souls in the church. I have life-long friends, leaders, and acquaintances that are truly who they portray to be. This text is saying don’t overlook their actions due to their position. Get to know your advisors.

Until Next time…

-Alex