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A couple of  months ago, a young man fresh from Bible College was testing his wings by doing the Sunday morning message at church, and he kept making the statement  that before you can serve, you have to be healed.  Anyone who has ever recovered from any type of trauma knows that there is a point in healing that requires action.  Like physical therapy for the soul.

Someone asked me recently if I’m healed. Tough question to answer;  it’s not a closed-done-with-all-that–once-and-for-all-process.  People usually think we’re healed if we’re up and walking.  We know better.  I have days that are better than others.  I’m closer to God because of the hurt than I ever was without it.  Not that I ever want to go through it again, but realistically, this is life.  From the moment our feet hit the floor in the morning, we have absolutely no idea what that day holds.  We think we’re healed, but one phone call or careless comment can rip the scab off a wound faster than we thought possible.

So, am I healed?  Of course not, not completely. I believe I’m in a healing process, but that’s what healing is: growth of new cells, new tissue, renewed strength.  Maybe that’s why the person sort of irked me;  he’s  young, zealous, and life hasn’t hit him square in the face yet.  Healing is a process; it happens over time, and in layers, like the growth rings on a tree.  Those rings come with time and age, and the more there are, the stronger the tree is. God can heal instantly and miraculously, but quick healings don’t result in instant maturity and character growth.  God does want us to prosper, and He does want us happy, but sometimes He defines that differently than we do, especially because our definition of happiness and health does not usually include a spiritual perspective.

Dualism reigns in our culture, in the classroom and at the altar.  Much of what we do in church is more Cultural than Biblical, from the way we make ‘leaders’ to the way we do membership.  All of the things that happen between the car and the sanctuary: the ushering, the greeting, the ropes closing people out, the locking of doors, and the use of technology, are culture.  I’m not saying they’re not sometimes necessary or beneficial, but let’s be clear: “Decently and in order” is a Biblical mandate;  “Law before Love” is not.  Maybe what needs to be emphasized is the ‘decently’ part.  Maybe people would heal faster.  We love the ‘in order’ part because our inner lives are a mess, and when we can’t control our feelings, we control our counter tops.  Or people.

Okay.  My daughter is out of the shower, my coffee cup is empty, and it’s time to do Saturday.  God help me.  Have a blessed and wise day, people.