why we do what we do!
The music was already playing as she hurried into the building. She could hear the guitar and wanted to get in quickly so she wouldn’t miss any more than she already had. You see, she was hurting today – and she needed it. She had recently been diagnosed with a life threatening cancer, and hadn’t told anyone there about it yet. In fact, she had only visited a couple other times before today, and not many even knew her name.
Only one problem … she was hungry. So hungry that she stopped to ask if it was ok if she took some food. She said she “hadn’t had anything to eat since yesterday.”
The attendant was already in the process of putting the food away, but didn’t hesitate when she spoke “yes, of course … take what you want.” She quickly filled a plate of food and hurried toward the doors of the auditorium, thankful that her hunger would soon pass.
What? She was going to take food in there? “Did you see that?” some thought, as she was unknowingly violating what could be considered by some to be “Holy Ground.”
Ok, yes, we don’t really want to encourage people to bring food or drink into the auditorium … but what would have happened this day, if she had been stopped. If someone had told her no, would she have felt as welcome? Would her “wow, thanks for the food” have turned into “woe … these people sure care about their carpet more than me?”
What would be the worst that could have happened if she spilled something?
What would be the worst that could have happened if she had been told no?
Sometime that morning this young lady made a decision. A decision to turn her life over to Christ for the first time. A decision to begin walking with Jesus. A decision that may have never happened if she had been told “no” as she tried to enter the room with her plate.
What would be the worst that could have happened if she had been told no?
I’m not suggesting that we don’t follow the rules. Fact is, many rules serve a good purpose. But sometimes rules need to be broken. For instance, in the medical field there are “red rules” and “blue rules”. Red rules can’t be broken. Rules like: “A patient is not to receive food or liquid unless the patient’s chart authorizes it.” Failure to follow this rule could threaten the patient’s life. Blue rules are in place to help systems operate smoothly. These rules won’t hurt anyone if they are broken. For example, allowing a patient that is dying to have after hours visitors won’t cause anyone harm.
Every church has rules. Some red, some blue. Some of ours are
- every person matters to God.
- no running in the hall.
- no complaining about other churches.
- no food or drink in the auditorium.
- no parking in front of the building.
The question; Do you know which rules are red and which are blue?
- What’s at stake if a child runs with laughter toward the “Kid’s Church” room?
- What happens if a guest takes a cup of coffee into the service?
- What happens if someone parks in front of the building?
You get the point. Some of our rules are in place for very good reasons – but some rules can be broken. We won’t compromise on safety, or ethics. But we can compromise on some things, since we value giving our guests a positive experience more than we value our carpet.
By the way, Misty was here at MapleGrove Sunday. And she’ll be with us in heaven someday too. Thanks to you … the team … for making her feel loved.
This is why we do what we do!