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just came home from a funeral. the family was only marginally religious, the setting was a local funeral home.
i happen to be sitting near the door as people started to file in from outside. i could hear laughter and boisterous talking, it appeared like a normal day... outside.
the second people started through the door an interesting transformation took place. it was as though an invisible barrier was crossed. suddenly, as if on cue, all conversation ceased. smiles were erased from faces. body posture changed. the difference was palpable. assume the position.

such an interesting transformation deserves pondering. what is it that happened? i wondered to myself if such a transformation would take place in many churches. conversations would cease,people would check their language, certain subconscious expectations would be fulfilled. it is an all too oft testimony to a church that preaches one thing and delivers something different. we wholeheartedly endorse the god of acceptance, in theology. in practice, however, we demand conformity beyond what jesus himself would ask of us. it isn't long before the subtle pull of legalism taints what was once a tender joy and sincere desire for godliness. time and time again i have seen the heaviness of religiosity choke out faith; all in the name of holiness.