We turned down a side road. It was labeled as a “scenic” drive. It was a tiny road and not particularly beautiful at first. it looked like a sad forgotten road, the one that the new road bypassed. Eventually, we came to a picturesque stream and spent some time taking photographs and getting bitten by mosquitos. When that played out we jumped back into the car and continued down the road.
We saw the steeple first as it emerged above the trees and then the church came into view. I stopped to take a look. It was obvious that the building was in need of repairs. Water had found its way into multiple openings and the wood rot was evident. The thing we really noticed was the yellow caution tape wrapped around the building.
I think the tape was put up because there is real fear that the building is unstable and unsafe, but what I was thinking is that all churches should be wrapped in caution tape. The bible has made it clear, following Jesus is a pathway to trouble.
You have to deny yourself (Mat 16:24)
You have to take up the cross (Luke 9:23)
Put God before family (Luke 9:59-60)
Count the cost (Luke 14:28-32)
Put Jesus first in everything (Col 1:18)
Give up possessions (Luke 14:33)
Face tribulations (Acts 14:22)
Face persecution (2 Tim 3:12)
Walk past the caution tape. Pay the price it is worth it. As it says in Philippians, “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ” Philippians 3:7–8 (TNIV).