Come Just as You Are....

is not just the title to one of my favorite songs. It's a whole new way of life for me.

This post may need to be continued, as I don't want to be to heavy for to long. Considerate of me, eh? Please hold the applause....;-)

This idea first came to me when my Pastor Brother and his Wife were visiting. She said their church was changing it's whole philosophy about worship and thus each church service. She referenced the book No Perfect People Allowed (I have yet to read it), but said it basically was about accepting and loving anyone who comes in the door. No matter what they look like or how they're dressed. About not having requirements or rules for people to follow. The idea being that we want to create an atmosphere, at church and everywhere, to welcome not hinder those who need it most.

**The Problem** I am an avid rule follower and feel that if there is a rule, there is a reason for it and thus think little about why the rule was organized in the first place. I was so intent on this rule following that I became a little legalistic. So, this was a hard truth for me to chew let alone swallow. Yet, I knew it was truth. Look at Jesus. Who occupied most of his time? The cheating tax collectors, prostitutes, beggars and drunks! But a year ago, before I would welcome any such person in my church, they would need to remove their hat before entering the sanctuary and at least be sober. Don't get me wrong here. Rules are good and for protection. But rules do not save. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, not make those who followed rules fell good. In fact, he threw the most religious rule followers for a loop! The rules were established to point to sin, not to encourage legalism. Romans 3:10 "There is no one righteous, not even one..." Isaiah 64:6 "All of us have become like one who is unclean and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags."

**The Transformation** While we're on the subject of transforming; did you know that while a butterfly caterpillar is still crawling around scarfing like crazy in preparation for the chrysalis, it still has the DNA of a butterfly? Cool, huh? This is how God views us. He sees us complete and beautiful, not the worms we sometimes feel and look like. This reminds me that the problem is with me!

Okay, back to my transformation. God has been working on my heart and opening my eyes to His purposes. Is there a better place for a drug addict or exotic dancer to be than in church? Isn't this the place where healing should be found? Sorry to say, often times not. We wrap ourselves in our own righteousness and ivory towers that we feel we cannot clasp the grungy hand of someone who may not have showered for a week. Trust me, I was there. God have mercy on me.

**Hope**Romans 3:21-23 "But now a righteousness from God, apart for the law, has been made known, to which the Law and Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Now for a bit about the song.....

Come just as you are. Hear the Spirit call.

Come just as you are. Come and see, come receive,

Come and live forever.

Life everlasting and strength for today.

Taste the living water and never thirst again.