How odd - the people who hear God . . .

How odd, that those who most clearly hear God
Hear Him for you
And for others
And for church
(But never for themselves)

They can tell you where you're wrong
And when
And how
And why

They know what you have to do to be 'right'
Because they know what right is
Always
Every time
All the time

The know all the put downs
The sneering comments
The dismissive assessments
The negative words
The words that wound
That stop you from volunteering
Or trying
Or being

But when you tell them that they're doing this
Or that
Or something else . . .

It plain to see that
You don't understand them
And you don't care at all
As you revel in your unChristlikeness

When you ask them to do what they've scared the others away from doing
You're pressurising them

When you point out their failings
You're being critical

When you give them an opportunity
You're the bad guy

When you treat them as they treat others
Then you

God

the 'Church'
(whoever or whatever that might be)

Is cruel

Harsh

Demanding

Not understanding

Intolerant

But when you
or others
bleed

They smile
and say
'Told you you were wrong!'

And that's why people don't come to church - they know we're like that!

And that's why people don't volunteer - they know they'll fail!

And that's why Jesus hangs

Still hangs

From a Cross

He just isn't good enough to do the job

Perhaps that what you came into the world to do - save Him!