The Work of God

Back when I was protestant and wandering through the alphabet soup of denominations, I remember frequently having conversations about people switching churches. The reasons were usually from various self-centered viewpoints: "I don't like the music", or "I wasn't allowed to do the ministry I wanted". Yet, one of the most common underlying themes was discontent with something a leader said or did. When the new denomination was considered, one question that would often come up was, "who was in charge". We all know that leaders can make or break an institution.

There is an interesting contrast that occurs in the Catholic Church. Although I have heard many people say that they will not become Catholic because they do not trust the Pope, when you question them, it is usually because they fear the Pope's authority, and not disagree with his opinions. In fact, I know of many people who have converted to the Catholic faith and said openly, "I do not agree with what I hear from Pope Francis, but the Catholic Church is right so I'm not worried about that."

Those are two diametrically opposed positions. "I can only join if I like the leader" and "I have to join whether I like the leader or not" display two opposite hearts. Imagine if children were allowed to leave their families if they disagreed with their parents (no parents would be able to keep their children at home after their first birthday!). How does someone come to the conclusion of humbly joining the Catholic Church when the earthly head of the Church says things that are confusing?

This is actually a sign of the work of God. He must be touching hearts if there are so many people converting to the Catholic faith today who do not see eye to eye with Pope Francis. If you know that God is in charge of the Church because it is the one He created 2000 years ago, then you have confidence that its leaders cannot destroy the work of God. If those whom God is leading into the fold can see this, then those of us already in the fold need to learn from them. The Church is able to persevere in spite of us (not because of us!). Have hope, Jesus is still on His throne.