Interesting Quote

I must state first and foremost that this is NOT a bashing blog, it's just a self-reflection on some thoughts I've had for awhile. If you take offense, there's nothing I can really do about that...that wasn't my intent.
I came across an interesting quote yesterday. It sums up how I feel about going to church.

Going to church doesn't make you any more a Christian than going to the garage makes you a car. Laurence Peter

I have nothing against going to church; as a matter of fact, I'm searching for an 'appropriate' church for me to start going to. I'm all for going to church--if that's what you want to do and feel it in your heart. I'm also fine with people rebuking church, and religion in total. What one does must come from their heart and soul--and nothing else. Not one has forced you to do, not what someone told you was 'right', and not what your parents/guardians have told you to do. It should come from within you.

I'm sick and tired of people questioning or implying my lack of church going, or others lack of church going, when it is obvious how un-church like those same people are!

I'm in no position to judge; and I never have been. Lord knows how many sins I've made over my life! With the impending passing of my grandmother, my future as a possible mother, and my quest for being a better, well rounded person; I am actively looking for more growth in my spirituality. This has included personal reflection, personal studies and personal growth.

I'll leave you with a few more quotes before I close. There were taken from someone else's blog.

Matt 7:20ff. “…by their fruit you will recognize them. Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”

CS Lewis, Mere Christianity: “The sins of the flesh are bad, but they are the least bad of all sins. All the worst pleasures are purely spiritual. The pleasure of putting other people in the wrong, of bossing and patronizing and spoiling sport, and backbiting; the pleasures of power, of hatred. For there are two things inside me […] they are the animal self and the diabolical self; and the diabolical self is the worst of the two. That is why a cold self-righteous prig who goes regularly to church may be far nearer to hell than a prostitute. But of course it is better to be neither.”