I'm a Sinner at Church, Too

I have a desire to be true to who I am. I don't like the idea of pretending to be something I'm not. People should know the real me.

A lot of times we're inclined to be on our best behavior when we enter a church building for Sunday service. It's God's house, after all, and we are surrounded by (hopefully) godly people. It would be disrespectful to even look sinful there, right?

This is where I may differ from a lot of people. The real me is not a tidy, holy, sinless person with a big smile. The real me is a messed up sinner with concerns and confusion, and I'm usually not wielding a big goofy grin. There is something terribly fake about pretending to have it all together just because suddenly I'm in a church building. So when people see me on Sunday morning, they see me as I really am. A sinner needing a Savior. Mind you, I don't walk into the sanctuary cussing or shoving people aside. But if someone asked me if I ever swore, I'd admit that I do.

And why not be real with myself? After all, what is the function of the congregation of believers? Why do we meet together on Sundays? Yes, part of it is to worship God. But the other reason is to build each other up. In the Bible we are called to bear each others' burdens, share our weaknesses, and edify each other. God wants us to be real with each other. How can other Christians help you if you pretend that everything is going just right for you? Imagine if I wake up on Sunday morning and I hear something that makes me really sad. Then I go to church and, when asked how things are with me, I tell people all is grand. That, I believe, is hypocrisy. I'm a hypocrite in enough ways already. I'm not going to add to it by pretending to be perfect around the very people who God calls to help me work through my imperfection.

Church was more of something where you're religious on Sunday then the rest of the week just do whatever. People are taught to think that they need to put on a different face that can at least make them seem presentable depending where the location they're heading to is. If you're going to a job interview, would you dress completely how you want (whether it'd be saggy clothes or having some gangster look) or try to have some proper outfit to get the chance for the job? Same for churches and pastors, they're wanting people to dress and act a certain way during mass and don't expect people to come in with pj's or gangster clothing. It's just how we as society are programmed to be, it's not just church whether if one loves God with all their heart or half heartily.

I agree... I think (long sentences and imperfect grammar makes it a little hard to understand). In the case of a job interview, it's good to be tidied up. Indeed if you didn't you would be dismissed pretty quickly.

Mind you, I don't attend church in my PJ's or gangsta clothes. Obviously, I dress respectfully, but the point of my post isn't about what I wear. It's about me being willing to not hide that I'm an imperfect person with an imperfect life.

Advanced Search Christian Chat Rooms & Forums Blogs, shawntc writes, "I'm a Sinner at Church, Too"

(Beckon's response)
shawntc you write, "I have a desire to be true to who I am".
(Beckon),
Is it not Christ like to be truthful as Jesus lived & taught, even if it leads to being a outcast by church doctrines/leaders (old wine teachings), parable as history shows Jesus was rejected & crucified, by (many if not most of) his own religious leaders & their religiously, seduced followers?
Is not Jesus quoted saying like unto, "You have many taste not, touch not, rules/laws that you don't even keep! Also, only they without sin (sin equal, being separated in 1 or more area/ways, from The Spirit Of Eternal Truth/God) cast the 1st hate/death stone. Also, They who follow the teachings accredited to Jesus like, "I must go away that I might send back my Spirit, The Spirit Of Eternal Truth, which will guide the willing, into all truth, one with The Father & I.
A problem with religions is their tendency to act clean, parable to they Jesus called white sepulcher, whitewashed on the out side (to look good) but full of death inside. Parable is it not also written in your religion's book, "Come out of her (such vain religious ways) my people" , by keeping God's 1st rule, that you & yours may not be part of their anti-Christ, anti-love, etc, teachings! OR DON'T, Chose you now, who/what you will follow (keep 1st), The Spirit Of Eternal Truth or that which is in part truth or the that in adulterated with lie! part

(shawntc) I don't like the idea of pretending to be something I'm not.
(Beckon)
Is it not also written, the "Following of The Truth/Christ, will set one free from the lie/sin"

(shawntc) People should know the real me.

(Beckon)
TRUE within Jesus' teaching like, "I have more to tell you, but you can not hear, Be wise & as harmless as following me (Jesus' teachings) will allow

(shawntc) A lot of times we're inclined to be on our best behavior when we enter a church building for Sunday service.

(Beckon)
Hypocrites? Rejecting Christ, The Spirit of Eternal Truth, in favor of lie? It's God's house, after all, and we are surrounded by (hopefully) godly people. It would be disrespectful to even look sinful there, right?

May The God of all who is All, bless you & yours with It's Spirit Of Truth's knowledge
Beckon