Involvement vs. Agape

The Highest Virtue in the current programmatic institution that is the US church is INVOLVEMENT.

It has been raised to the noblest work one can do for one-another within the traditionalism of the faux-church.  The Scripture speaks of agape being the mark of a Christian but now, in fact, through man's tradition we have displaced agape and substituted INVOLVEMENT as the defining sign of a true believer.  I would say too that in some circles INVOLVEMENT is actually consider to be what agape-love is.  In other words, to be involved IS love in the faux-church.  

As long as you're involved you're "good" and in a right standing with the congregation. If you don't show up for an event though, or take your name off a list for, let's say, cleaning up the pastor's yard on Saturday, or setting up the sound equipment, well, you're not "involved" and you're putting yourself at risk of being gossiped about, er..."concerned" for ("We're doing all the work. He's not doing anything around here!") and/or perhaps scapegoated ("He's the problem, he's not involved and just wants to do other things!  If we push him out things will return to normal.  He needs to go.").  

This is impersonal, disingenuous, and programmatic country-club life and is anathema to true koinonia within the ekklesia.  It is mere lists, rules and existential isolation.  And, at it's base it is works righteousness that is perpetually reinforcing the idea that you must "do" things to please the Creator to earn your pardon and receive salvation.

Leave my friends.  Leave, in order to truly STAY.