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One reason some people say they don’t go to church anymore is because church folk are hypocrites. Let’s face it; some people do put on a front, covering up their lack of a genuine commitment to the Lord. And I believe the only way we can change that perception is for God’s people to be honest and transparent in the way they worship and live. Jesus spoke to this issue in His Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew Chapter 5. Jesus said, “If you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny.” Now even though Jesus was addressing ancient traditions, He calls for a heart attitude that transcends culture and tradition. He stresses the need for us to have genuine loving relationships with people. Genuine love among God’s people will do more to win and keep others coming to church than any other tactic we may try.
