Sometimes, I like to do odd things. How about you?

I like to browse houses for sale. I just like houses. I have no intention of moving, but house browsing stirs my imagination.

I also like nature. Some may think it odd that I especially like the little ones in nature. I live in Florida, so we have lizards known as Anoles.

I love these little creatures. They live in our flower beds, under our patio furniture and on our walls. They will scurry about, darting from their hiding places to grab a gnat or a small flying bug and then run back to the sanctuary under an umbrella stand, or they lounge about in the hot sunshine.

Maybe not as weird, I like to watch the little rabbits that inhabit our shrubs, and birds of all kinds, from bald eagles to egrets to mocking birds and the smallest of sparrows. I love watching them play and discover their food. It entertains me and gives me a certain peace.

Moving away from nature, I like to read want ads. Now that is odd, because I am retired. Still, it is an interest to me. Odder yet, I especially like to read “pastor employment ads”. It fascinates me to read an ad placed by a small rural or semi-rural church detailing a lengthy ‘job’  responsibility list and their educational and previous experience requirements, typically a seminary degree and five or more years of experience, then offering a poverty-level pay range. I like the irony and sometimes a good laugh.

In addition to what I have already listed, many church ads will give a long list of ‘responsibilities’ which should, in effect, tell any potential applicant “we don’t really care about your education or experience or calling by God unless you can give us the rest of what we want in a preacher-pastor, and precisely the way we want it”.

You see, I love to be surprised, amazed, astounded and entertained. It reminds me of a verse from 1 Timothy 4:3, “ For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires.”

Interestingly, the very Bible these churches preach, says “But as for you, do not be called Rabbi; for only One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers and sisters. And do not call anyone on earth your father; for only One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called leaders; for only One is your Leader, that is, Christ. But the greatest of you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.” (Matthew 23:8-12).

The church, according to several polling and statistical surveys from reputable organizations, tell us that the post-modern Church is in serious decline (see “Is Church membership really in a serious decline?”)

Could it be because most people are not living on ‘blind faith’ alone, and are smart enough to see through the hype, entertainment and words of appeal to “Come join us”, and realize that something isn’t squaring up?

The Bible warns against this type of hypocrisy and disobedience. It also warns that this day was coming.

Take heart, though. There are many good and faithful Churches with good and faithful servants of God, also known as pastors. “You will know them by their fruits”.

One last odd thing I like. I really like going to Church. I say odd, because it is something that most people don’t do anymore, but I love it. You see, I have found a Church, a fellowship of believers, that really strives to live out the life of Jesus and to do His bidding (follow His commandments).

It’s pure joy. And, I love being happy.

How about you?

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young