It is quite common to hear praise for Jesus Christ but disdain for His Church. When asked what they think of Jesus Christ, some people will say, “What do I think of Jesus? Oh…Jesus…He’s awesome! Wow! I mean, He’s really cool! Who could possibly knock Jesus? He’s the best. I really love Jesus!” But when asked what they think of His Church the tone changes dramatically: “Uh…the Church? Yuck! I mean the Church has got to be one of the most pathetic things in existence today!” More derogatory adjectives usually follow.
There’s something about this position that doesn’t jive. The Bible describes Jesus as the Groom and the Church as His bride. So, to cast aspersions on the bride while still claiming to love the Groom, seems ingenuous at best. It’s sort of like your closest friend from childhood, who is still a dear buddy, and he asks you to be the Best Man at his upcoming wedding. You agree. At the wedding you enthusiastically do your “Best Man” duties, producing the ring at the right moment, making the toast at the reception and enthusiastically standing by his side.
But later that afternoon you take him aside for a private word. You say, “I am so honored to be your Best Man. What a great day this has been! You are a really cool guy. I’m grateful for our friendship and all it means to me. Even though it’s awkward for guys to say this to each other, ‘I really love you, man.'” You pause and continue, “But I’ve got to tell you…your bride looks like a DOG! I mean she is UGLY, dude! What a despicable woman! How did you get hooked up with her?”
Do you think you’d still have a friend? I doubt it.
If you love the groom, don’t bash the bride.
