Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God...(John 1:12a NIV).

As a child, I was terrorized by the fact that I couldn't be a part of "the Snitcher's Club." No matter what I did, or how hard I tried, my name wouldn't (and as I later learned, couldn't) be added to the membership roster (which included only three names--my older brother's and two older male cousins'). I'd find myself crushed as the three boys would slip behind a closed door for a secret meeting, leaving me to read their sign: "Snitcher's Club--MEMBERS ONLY!"

I so desperately wanted to be a "Snitcher." Never mind the fact that I had no idea what went on in those secret meetings, and really had no clue what the basis of the club was in the first place. All I knew, was I was forbidden to be a part of this fraternity and that alone was what propelled me to continue my effort to be included throughout my childhood years.

As an adult, the subject of "the Snitcher's Club" came up in conversation with the "Snitchers" themselves. They began roaring with laughter and confessed that the entire purpose of the Snitcher's Club was to alientate me! Simply, a club formed by some silly boys who knew it drove me nuts to be left out. As if that wasn't enough satisfaction for them, the fact that I continually tried to do the right things to "get in" (which wasn't possible unless I changed my identity all together) only made the game more enjoyable for them.

Recently, I've realized that there are a lot of similar "clubs" in life. The country club that won't let me in because I don't make enough money. The social group I can't be a part of because I'm not single and under the age of 25. And so on and so forth. No matter how hard I try, I won't be qualified to be a part of certain groups, just like the "Snitchers." No wonder so many people feel so lost and alone in life.

Few would say they present the church of Christ Jesus as that of a "MEMBERS ONLY" club. With the door wide open, we are challenged to accept all people, no matter what their needs or status. But the calling of Christ is far more than simply leaving the door wide open, hoping some will call upon the Lord and wander inside. As "members," Christ calls us to step outside the doors of the clubhouse (the church) and seek those who continue to search for truth and belonging.

The "Snitchers" seemed so terrible to me (even as an adult) for never letting me know that I'd never qualify for their club. How much more tragic is it to not let the world--and more specifically those in your sphere of influence--know that they can be a welcomed and loved child of the Father by simply calling upon His name?

-Emily A. Vermilya

...how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ...(Ephesians 3:18).

© 2003 Kingdom Building Minsitries.