Priesthood

"The priesthood of all believers" was a central tenet of the reformation. We don't need a mediator through whom to communicate with God other than Christ. So we can each one of us approach the throne of grace with confidence. There is a dangerous misinterpretation of this principle which we can fall into, because it fits American individualism so well. This is the idea that we really don't need anyone else involved in our relationship with God. If I'm my own priest, why do I need a church? I can go to God on my own.

But the principle speaks of a "priesthood," not a bunch of individual priests. One cannot be a priest if he or she is not part of the priesthood. The priesthood is a house, and we are the stones that make up this house.

It's hard to be a stone. It's hard to find the right place in the house to fit in. You might for a while find yourself in a spot that isn't quite right. You're helping to hold up the house but it's a strain-- you feel wedged in. So you try other slots. You move from the living room to the basement to the kitchen. Eventually, you'll find your spot.