No Bicycles On Sidewalk

At a restaurant near our house there hangs a sign; "No Bicycles On Sidewalk". On its own this sign is fairly blunt and simple. But it is the bike rack that sits on the sidewalk just below this sign that adds humor and confusion.

How are you to park a bike in the rack if a bike is not allowed on the sidewalk? The restaurant and the stores surrounding it have the desire for folks to park in this bike rack, yet they have posted a rule essentially prohibiting it.

It seems like this type of logic is used in many churches today. The church has been established in the name of Jesus, who came to seek and save the lost, who claimed "it is not the healthy that need a doctor, but the sick". Yet, rules are been made, and sometimes even posted, to keep the lost and unhealthy out of the church.

"No Skateboards Allowed"
"No Ripped Jeans"
"No Residential Parking"
"No Hats Allowed"
"Members Only"
"No Smoking"
"No Loud Music"
"No Food or Drink"
"No Sinners"

How is a person suppose to meet Jesus if they are not allowed to and even welcomed to come to Him while they are still breaking some rules? The church's desire is that folks would be introduced to Jesus and come to know Him as their Savior.

Let us break down some of the rules, and obstacles that we have set - both written and unwritten. And, let us welcome all despite their actions and attitudes.