Church Folks: Who They Really Are

Why is it that those who attend church seven days a week or every Sunday for that matter, are always preaching to others to "be more like them?" I mean.......do we really want to be more like them? These people are some of the most foul-mouthed, hypocritical, and condescending individuals I have ever come to know. Now, not all of those who attend church are this way, but there are more than a handful who are or claim to be so much more "holier than thou," but their actions and the words that come out of their mouths, are just not conducive to what they are being taught in their churches.

I have had several encounters with many people who are from different religious backgrounds and denominations; however, what many of these people have in common, is living the opposite lives of what they say their churches are teaching them and what they themselves are teaching others. If you are a saved, born-again Christian, as so many of them are quick to tell you, why are they so quick to curse at others, using such foul language? If they are such Christians, why do they practice and promote hatred? If they are such Christians, why are they going to church to catch up on the latest gossip about "How Short Sister Johnson's Skirt Was Last Sunday?" If they are such Christians, why can't they just welcome visitors to their churches with a warm reception, as opposed to recruiting you based on your annual income? If they are such saved, born-again Christians, why can't they just act and live by their teachings? If they are such Christians, why are they so quick to judge?

Most church folk attend church just to say "I Go To Church Every Sunday." They aren't learning anything. They sleep through the sermons and give very little of themselves in their communities. They don't really even have any idea on why they're attending church. It has just become a normal routine thing for them. Others attend church when they no longer have control over their lives. They catch a bad break in life, and the first thing they say is "God I Need Your Help" and the second is "I've Got To Go To Church." This is great if they are planning on continuing their attendance, but what happened to being in tune with God everyday, while everything was going great in your life? What happened to "Praying" and "Thanking God" for the good things while your lives were going great? He is not a part-time God, so why would you be a part-time believer and worshiper? You should have "God" in your hearts before going to church. The church can teach you the Bible and the choir may sing you a nice song, but the church can't force a relationship with God on you. You have to be willing to accept God for yourself and the teachings in your church will further enhance that which you seek, provided you have a very knowledgeable pastor. Most of the people that attend church, have yet to accept God themselves. They do think that they are saved. But when I last checked, saved born-again Christians didn't use foul language, they didn't judge others because they realize none of us are perfect, and they praise and thank God in spite of the good or bad times in their lives. The pastor can preach all day long, but if you are there for a one-time fixing, his sermon will have no merit over your life.

Every great church requires a great leader. As an authoritative figure, your pastor should display behavior that leaves his followers confident in his knowledge and trusting in his actions. There is no reason for the pastor to have three of four girlfriends, and he also has a wife; but he always preaches how sinful adultery is. There is no reason for the followers to go broke, while the pastor is dressed in his colorful suits, shoes to match, and driving that luxury vehicle that your offerings have paid for. There is no reason for your pastor to turn you away from the church because your bank account is not large enough, but preaches that God says, "Come As You Are."

Choose your place of worship wisely and look out for the false prophets. They are all over the place, playing "Church." You'll know and hear them coming miles away because they talk too much about nothing! Learn the Bible or whatever your Spiritual Aspirations are in a way that will be beneficial to your mind, soul, and spirit. Never allow others to tell you that one religious denomination is better than the other. They haven't tried them all, so how would they know? Most of the knowledge I've been so fortunate to obtain has been through individuals who can truly teach me the Bible as it relates to my everyday living. They don't judge me for what I don't know, as life is a journey and I'm enrolled in Life-Long Learning.

Monica Burns-Capers is an Expert Author, Freelance Writer, Consultant, Adjunct College Instructor and President/CEO of Monica Mi'Chelle Communications: A Professional Writing and Self-Development Firm. For More Information, Visit Her Website At: www.monicamburns.com.