Micah 6:8 Reformation

Anne Lamott writes, "Pope Francis says the name of God is mercy.  Our name was mercy, too, until we put it away to become more productive, more admired and less vulnerable." 

This is what I feel has happened to what I would best describe as "Corporate Christianity" in America.  It's lost it's way.  It's become triumphant and obsessed with bigger and better, and forgotten what it means to be merciful. 

But I've come to believe there is a "silent majority" of Jesus-followers who have grown weary of the pretenses and posturing of "Corporate Christianity" and are waking up at last to pursue their deep longing to simply be more like Christ.  

For all of the negative news stories that surface from time to time about a few angry, and loud Christians, who are boycotting things, banning books, shunning other Christians who don't agree with them, and the like, it's good to be reminded that there are far more Christians simply trying to quietly and earnestly live out their faith, stumbling after Jesus the best they can.  

In fact, (due in large part to this silent majority) I believe the Church is going through a reformation of sorts---a Micah 6:8 reformation.  

Through the prophet God decries the way God's people are going through the motions when it comes to faith, then the prophet speaks this powerful words from Micah 6:8:  

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
    And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy

    and to walk humbly with your God.

Today I am so grateful for my church family.  

As I made my way through my neighborhood this morning, I happened upon some of my church members quietly serving outside the Church. 

Seriously, though...  Unexpectedly discovering my church members being the hands and feet of Jesus in the community is something that happens to me on a regular basis. 

At the Starbucks where I stopped with my son to get him an iced coffee after a doctor's appointment,  I ran into one of my elders who was mentoring a high school student. 

When I dropped my son off at his school, I was greeted by another member, who was volunteering in the school office.

Listen, my church isn't perfect.  We give each other bumps and bruises from time to time.  We don't always get it right when we're trying to love our neighbor.  But every time I turn around, I encounter people who are part of my faith community contributing to the Micah 6:8 reformation.  

It gives me hope like you wouldn't believe.  

May you experience a renewed sense of your Micah 6:8 purpose as a follower of Jesus, and may you find abundant joy in that purpose.  Know that you are not alone in this.  There is a great cloud of witnesses serving, praying, quietly living the questions and stumbling after Christ along with you.  

And may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you now and always. Amen.