I noticed a new comercial this week about a customer who is not happy that new customers get treated better than loyal customers. I guess I agree. I want the same deal on my cell phone that a new person could walk in and get. I think they should give it to me without me even having to ask.

What about the church? Do we eagerly greet or give something to new people and overlook the loyal attenders?

As I thought this through I thought of a few differences. I have no obligation to help build the phone company. I do not love them. If there service is bad I will take my money to another company. As soon as my contract for my cheap phone expires. For me, that is 1 year and 11 months.

Following Jesus Christ is not like that. All followers of Jesus are taught to love others. We have the job of helping other people know God's love and see His offer of a relationship and eternal life. We have the job of building the list of "customers". Ok not really customers. Nothing is for sale. God needs nothing from us. We need so much from Him.

Those who have grown in how they know God, will help others to grow in how they could know God. As they know truth, they help others know truth. As they meet needs they will take others to meet needs.

In Luke 7 a sinful woman comes to Jesus right in front of some loyal religious people. She annointed Jesus feet with oil and washed his feet with her tears. The good religious people did not understand how God welcomes sinners who come in repentance. They misunderstood their good works and how they look in the eyes of God. Often Jesus tells the religious that they have no place with God.

I am a religious person who leads a religious organization. I hope more like Jesus. I hope I am not like the loyal religious customers that Jesus was talking to.