If they are on every corner, why can't I find one?

It was the best sandwich ... ever. It had the perfect combination of onion, meat, ranch dressing, salsa and jalapeno and washed down with sweet tea. I get hungry just thinking about it, but when I moved to Odessa, I left that sandwich behind. I miss it ... a lot. I’ve looked for one just like it, but there’s no comparison — but don’t worry, I haven’t stopped eating.

I’m sure you’ve done this with a restaurant, but have you done it with church? Many people move to Odessa and struggle to find a church just like the one they left. The music is different, it’s too big, too small, the preacher talks too long, etc. They visit around but within a few weeks give up and stop looking. The nostalgia of what they left prevents them from discovering what’s new.

Without a doubt, it’s difficult to find a new church even with one on so many corners. I’ve had to find a new church before and know it can wear you down. Let me give a couple suggestions that might help and make a pledge.

First, the bad news — the church you moved from will never be here. While I’m certain the church you moved from was great, it doesn’t have an identical twin anywhere. Only McDonald’s, KFC and Wal-Mart have mastered that kind of duplication. Besides, it was the people in that church that made it what it was, and they can never be duplicated.

Now for some good news — Heaven alone is where you get 100 percent perfection. Until then, we all get to enjoy something less. In fact, if I find a place that is perfect (church, hospital, city or family), then I’m afraid I wouldn’t fit in. Maybe a perfect place on earth should be in a museum or hidden behind protective glass. There is no way an imperfect person like me should ever be introduced to a perfect environment.

What I need is the same entrance point Barnabas found for Paul described in Acts 11. Imagine the scene when Barnabas arrived at a little church in Antioch. He walks in and witnesses the grace of God. "Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with a resolute heart to remain true to the Lord." No wonder this church was where they were first called Christians. Barnabas then rushes to Tarsus looking for Saul with one thought, "Saul needs abounding grace!" It was grace that fueled Paul in taking the Gospel all over the known world. Abounding Grace helps you see past imperfection and ultimately starts global movements.

Now for the pledge — I pledge to abound in Grace. I want to be a part of a church that is striving to abound in Grace. When I find it, I’ll get involved to make it the best it can be. Who knows, a place like that might be the epicenter of another movement.

How about you? Have you grown discouraged in visiting churches each week hoping to find what you left? Then maybe it’s time for a fresh perspective. Focus on what you like rather than what you miss. And when you visit, allow grace to abound in you first. A healthy church is one where people realize their need for grace and aren’t afraid to extend grace to others. If you find a church where grace abounds, then make it your home.

I still haven’t found a replacement sandwich, but I’ve kept eating, believe me. If you could see more than my face over there you would agree. See, I found other great places to eat, and I don’t know what I’ll do if I ever move from them.

Kind of funny how that works.