Peacocks and Poppycock

 

 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

Matthew 6:28-30 

When I was a child, I admit there were parts of church culture that confused me (and still confuse me):  

I remember the very first time I heard a pastor actually told a joke!  I thought it was funny and laughed, but was quickly embarrassed when the rest of the congregation remained stone faced.  I asked one of the older "grandmotherly" members why no one else laughed in church, she said is was because Jesus never laughed.  REALLY?  

I remember when we had churchwide dinner after church and I had never seen so many variations of green bean casserole, mac-and-cheese or lemon pound cake!  

I remember not being able to change out of my church clothes when we got home for lunch (I am a notorious dribbler, ask my bride).  I could take off my coat only.

Here's the thing that confused me the most...on Easter we were supposed to be celebrating the fact that Jesus had defeated death.  The part that confused me were all the brightly colored new Easter outfits worn by men and women (large hats included) that paraded around the sanctuary before the service and then tried their hardest to cram themselves into the first three pews behind the deacons so they could be seen.  Doesn't that rather defeat to purpose of celebrating Easter's meaning when the parade becomes the focus?  To me, it looked like a Mardi Gras parade in church (minus the beads and loud marching bands.  There might have been alcohol involved, but I can't confirm that).

When we let anything or anyone take our focus from the purpose of worship, we are making idols.  You see, idols aren't just stone or wood images someone carved that we decide we can talk to more easily than talking with God.  Idols can include television, clothing, food, drink, vacations, homes, cars, and wait for it.......sports.  ANYTHING we put ahead of God is an idol and poppycock at its finest.