There was something missing.

In an interview with a long-time friend, U2’s Bono, responded to the sometimes-stained reputation of the church throughout history:

 “Religion can be the enemy of God. It’s often what happens when God, like Elvis, has left the building. A list of instructions where there was once conviction; dogma where once people just did it; a congregation led by a man where once they were led by the Holy Spirit. Discipline replacing discipleship”.  (Michka Assayas, Bono: In Conversation with Michka Assayas)

 “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6 v 6)

Performance will never lead to true discipleship.

The church has rules. Christians have rules. Things we have learnt over the years that if we do them prove we are good and acceptable to God.

We step into performance the moment we behave as if Christianity brings man to God.

Even that sentence may cause some of us to have to read it again as it appears correct!

But central to Christianity is the truth that it is the story of God coming to man, every other religion has it the other way round. Sadly the church sometimes follows suit. For we all like a good performance.

We cannot get our own way with God by performance.

He is looking for ‘mercy’ – ‘hesed’ – it is a faithful and loyal love, Hosea’s heart’s desire for Gomer, not her repentance and words of commitment but persistent love.

He is looking not for head knowledge of Him but an intimacy that is all consuming where we are all in for Him.

Performance cannot compare with these. There will always be something missing.