"Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us daily." - Sally Koch
Harvest Crusade occurred this weekend. I had never been, so when Casey asked me if I wanted to go, I was certainly willing. I've heard mixed views from all over the map about Greg Laurie's preaching. I wanted to make up my mind for myself. It was no surprise to me that, as we approached the entry to Angel's Stadium, there were picketers with signs that said, "Laurie Leads to Hell." People are always critical of large churches and the preachers who serve them.
As I listened to Greg Laurie speak, I heard nothing negative or blasphemous in his words. Nothing whatsoever. He spoke from his heart about reality. The fact that I had to come to grips with: large events such as Harvest Crusade are highly emotional.
When I was younger, I would attend youth camps. I remember some of the speakers would tell highly emotional stories meant to call people to action. The sermons were meant to tug at the heart strings and cause people to believe. Several times, the emotional pleas reached to me and I recommitted my life. This isn't particularly a bad thing, but I'm in a relationship with Christ. When you are in a relationship with a friend or significant other, you don't continually say, "oh, I'm re-committing to you because I'm scared I might lose you." No. You talk to them. Communicate. Spend time with them. When you struggle or fight, you work it out. They don't just drop you because you are having a difficult time. God won't just drop you because you are going through spiritual difficulties. He doesn't say, "Well, Megan wasn't very nice to that person yesterday... so she's not a Christian any more." Certainly not. I cling to God and he clings to me. Struggles are a natural part of any relationship and they usually indicate growth.
Now, I'm not saying that people shouldn't follow their emotions when it comes to re-committing their lives. I'm just saying that our walk with Christ cannot be ruled by emotions. We have to know in our hearts that we are a in relationship with God, and that He is holding on to us in good and bad times. That isn't something I truly knew in my heart when I was younger. There were times I was afraid that if I did one thing wrong, I would have to immediately re-commit my life for fear of losing God's love. He has told me that is not the truth. Fight temptation as it comes because God is right there behind you.
Ok, here's the point of that long, rambling entry. At the end of the service, as is customary at outreach events, there was an altar call. I'm glad there was! I support the calling laid upon the hearts of evangelists to tell the world about Christ. But, as I watched thousands of people crowding on to the field, I simply had to wonder: how many of these people are here to make a life change, how many simply need to communicate with their savior, and how many of them are following a mob mentality? I'm sure there were many who made real, lasting commitments to Christ. Others, it is hard to say.
I just wanted to write my thoughts down. My spiritual journey is different from any other, but much can be learned from sharing what we know. I know Christ has redeemed me and that he is hanging on to my heart as fiercely as I'm hanging on to Him.
That's all.
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