THE ASTERISK
When we read the word anyone in the invitation of Jesus we can’t help but think there must be an asterisk next to it. Even if there wasn’t one when Jesus spoke these words, it seems that over the years the church has put an asterisk next to his invitation. The sign out front of the church says, We Welcome Anyone and Everyone. But if you look real close you’ll find an asterisk. And it turns out that Anyone means people who appear to have their lives together and don’t have visible struggles. Anyone does not include those who struggle with addictions or who have gone through a divorce. Anyone means people who dress appropriately. Anyone means those from certain social and economic backgrounds who are affiliated with a certain political party and have a certain taste in music.
Kyle Idleman, "Not a Fan" (p. 122)