Not too long ago, I ran into an acquaintance at a restaurant who I hadn’t seen in a while. We caught up for a few minutes during which he introduced me to the friends he was sitting with, one of which was a pastor. Saying goodbye, I grabbed a table on the restaurant’s patio with the group I came with. After having talked at our table for a couple of hours, we were awkwardly approached by my acquaintance’s friend. The pastor. We began to talk about ministry and uniting the body of Christ. We talked about how Christians of different denominations tend to focus on their differences and treasure the doctrines that set them apart from other Christians. In the midst of this, for some unknown reason, the pastor decided it was prime time to do exactly what we were speaking against…point out our differences! It became clear that this pastor wasn’t trying to get to know us, to fellowship with us or to edify us. He wanted to “witness” to us and he wasn’t doing a good job of it.

When we witness to others, we’re simply showing others who God is. Now, doctrines have there place and yes they are important but, in them is no power. In them I can’t place my faith. They won’t come to my rescue. They can’t forgive me. They don’t love me unconditionally. They can’t even change my heart. The law exist to show me how far from Christ I truly am. To draw me to Christ. (Romans 7) Why first point someone to a tool? First point them to the source. To the only One who can save. To the Redeemer. When we first point others to rules, or heaven and the wrath of God like Harold Camping and his prediction of judgment day on May 21st , we give the false impression that God is in the business of modifying behavior through rewards and punishments. We misrepresent God. God is in the business of changing hearts. He is love and redemption. You see Christianity isn’t about making it to heaven, or being blessed during our time in this world. It’s about experiencing Christ. 

What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said,  "You shall not covet."...Did that which is good, then, become death to me? By no means! Nevertheless, in order that sin might be recognized as sin, it used what is good to bring about my death, so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful.
Romans 7:7,13 NIV

- Sydney Henry


Sydney is an independent artist in Detroit, MI. She's passionate about young adult ministry and faith based nonprofits. Find her music at www.sydneyandpaige.com or search "Sydney & Paige Henry" on Facebook.

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