LEGALISM, OBEDIENCE, AND BELIEF WINDOWS (p 3)

An Example: The Umbrella Church

Once upon a time there was a church that resided in an area drenched with continuous rain. The parishioners would complain to their pastor that all the water dripping off the recently used umbrellas flooded the foyer of the church, which invariably resulted in wet carpet and damp pews. The pastor took several offerings and built dozens of umbrella holders in the foyer to contain the drenched umbrellas.

Weeks passed and a season of drought overtook the land which caused the agrarian parishioners to lose much of their livelihood. They complained that the church wasted money by building useless items like the umbrella holders and that God was unwilling to lift a finger to end their suffering. Afraid of losing members, the pastor offered a miracle: carry an umbrella next week with faith that God will bring rain. His prayer paid off and the Lord saturated the church with rain. The pastor then encouraged, "Always carry your umbrellas in remembrance of God raining His blessings upon us."

Years later, a visitor happened upon the church and queried the reason for the umbrella tradition. An elderly gentleman, whose years had turned his hair to wisps, boldly stated: "So that God might rain down His blessings." The visitor stated, "That's silly, Sir. An umbrella is not required in order to receive blessings from God!" The old man's umbrella extended in the face of the visitor as he said, "Well, son, maybe you ought to read your Bible."

Is this narrative really the proper application of Hebrews 6.7: "The earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God"? And yet how many Christians will answer the question "Why do you believe [insert tradition here]" with an acquiescent nod to ignorance: "We just believe it" or "We've always done it that way." Will that answer suffice when the same question is asked us by our Lord?

Friends, do you know why you believe what you do or are you just carrying your umbrella because that's they way it has always been done?