“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Day 30: Door #writetogether31days

For over 100 years these doors had been open for anyone, anytime, to come and go as they needed to. It’s how church is meant to be. However, you and I know the world has changed and unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, we’ve recently had to begin locking them. It shouldn’t be this way. Keeping people out feels unnatural, uncomfortable even; but protecting and preserving what’s inside is important, too.

The same thing can happen to us, I think. We are God’s living church out in our ever-changing world. Our hearts were designed to be open to anyone, showing love anytime, welcoming others to come or being ready to go whenever it’s needed. But, due to circumstances beyond our control, we can feel a necessity to shut ourselves up tightly, attempting to keep others out. (Ask me how I know.) It doesn’t feel right. We know that it’s not how we’re supposed to be, but protecting and preserving what’s inside us seems vital, too.

Our values are questioned. Slam! Our beliefs ridiculed. Latched. Our well-being threatened. Locked.

I struggle, maybe you do too, with how we, as temples of God can stand secure in the midst of destructive words, thieves of peace, and vandals of our faith. How can we unbar our discouragement, uncertainty, and fears to be the witnesses, open and welcoming that we’re each meant to be?

There’s no doubt that when Jesus sent the disciples out He knew that they’d face tribulation. Yet, He still told them to go. He’s sending us out into the world as well and of course, we know challenges will try to “break in” and attempt to take away from what we’re doing. But, throughout His ministry, Jesus taught those fishers of men all they needed to be successful. I believe He’s in the process of doing that with me, too. Maybe you can also sense Him instructing you. I’m afraid I’m still a work in progress and have more questions than answers, but I do know one thing for sure:

Jesus is the Key!

“I do this in order that they may be filled with courage and may be drawn together in love, and so have the full wealth of assurance which true understanding brings. In this way they will know God’s secret, which is Christ himself. He is the key that opens all the hidden treasures of God’s wisdom and knowledge.”
Colossians 2:2-3 (GNT)