Turning the Tables

12 Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 13 And He said to them, “It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of thieves.’ ”~Matthew 21:12-13
 
When I read this verse of scripture I always image DMX Party Up playing in the background, lol. Even then the church had lost its way, so can you imagine what Jesus is saying today? But seriously, there is no perfect church and if there was one it became imperfect once we stepped foot into it. I can honestly say that every church isn’t for everybody, nor is organized religion, but I have found that my relationship with God has helped me to get past the things that people do and say. Relationship with God has helped me to move past church hurt, and see hurt as an equal opportunist. People stop going to church because they get hurt. However my question to you is when people hurt you in other places do you stop going there? Do you no longer go to work when you are offended? Most of us learn from the experience, adjust accordingly and keep it moving. So why is it so difficult to move past church hurt? I think we have unreasonable expectations of church people, because the truth is people are simply people whether they go to church or not.
So how do we minimize church hurt? I always advise people to make a list of the things they want in a ministry, keeping in mind that you are ultimately the church. You are never going to find a ministry that checks all the boxes but you will find a place that checks some of them and has the potential to become so much more. You need to see yourself being able to grow with the ministry and feel that you can add value.
My challenge to you today is to not blindly follow the establishment, know and utilize the word for yourself because men will use it to justify whatever they want to say. Churches were designed to be a meeting place. A place to be introduced to God, not the only place you ever spend time with him. Don’t get caught up in people, be swept away in relationship with God. People will be people no matter where you meet them, but know that God will always be God and if you know what he says for yourself he will help you through any hurt. 
Best,
​Kay