Have you ever felt like some churches, or organizations, are like country clubs or sports clubs? Access is given with certain qualifications, social status, financial strengths, or political clout?
Can churches be the same?? Every organization has their own “list of do’s and don’ts” for membership or for a ticket through the pearly gates. Can this really be biblical or spiritually correct?
This song is the result of a few thoughts bumping around in my head lately after seeing and hearing about the current condition of many churches and organizations.
My humble apologies if I have offended any with this song. Let’s keep our priorities right and our criteria bible based!
The Right Criteria
(Verse 1)
I was knocking on your door
In your hand you held the key
But you would not open up
There was no access for me
Why can’t I enter, I asked
Thru these eternal gates
You said, I’m very sorry, sir
But you don’t have what it takes
(You gotta have. . . )
(Chorus 1)
The right criteria
That’s what it takes
To walk down this path
To stay in our place
It’s not our way
To question why
Just repeat after me
And you’ll be alright
(Verse 2)
Folks standing outside the door
Asking of life eternal
Joyfully I opened, showed them the way
For one day I was in their place
The willingness and desire
To walk this Christian life
Seems to be much better
Than a criteria…..not right!
(Bridge)
There’s nothing wrong with having a creed
That’ll help you on your way
But in the end the real question is
What does the Bible say?
(Instrumental interlude . . . )
(You gotta have . . .)
(Chorus 2)
The right criteria
Having God’s grace within
Feeling His love flood through your soul
Freeing you from sin
Rejoicing in His freedom
Enjoying His favor and more
Knowing you are on your way
To heaven’s golden shore
