It seems disinterest amongst believers is prevalent. Why don’t believers run to the church, run to offering plates, run to serve? Has church become a consumer activity like bowling or swimming or going to the movies?
Matthew 6:20-21 (NASB)
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Some people might think that I asked this question but I assure you I didn’t. This is a question I think many pastors probably do ask. Serving God is not a difficult task but it is a dedicated one. We suffer from a real problem of distraction and disinterest in this nation. One might then ask the question, “Why?”
First I’d like to say that this problem is not a new one, but it is a real one. The fact is, there are many scriptures which deal with this, I want to take you to one. In Revelation 3:15-17 (NASB), to the church of Laodicea Jesus said, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,’ and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.” In our country, and in fact all western societies, we have grown rich. What I mean is, compared to any other time in history we have abundance. Real life is not hard. We have no one attacking us, we are full of plenty of foods, lots of entertainment, and we have the ability to go and do unlike any other time in history. We have access to medical care unlike anytime in history. We have rights to be free and we exploit them to their fullest potential. In essence, we have become rich, in need of nothing. Now, I understand there are people that go without and suffer, but over all comparatively speaking, we live in a time and society unlike any other. When people get to this place, there is a tendency to not see the need for God anymore.
Take a look at the warning to Israel found in Deuteronomy 8:11-14 (NASB). “Beware that you do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments and His ordinances and His statutes which I am commanding you today; otherwise, when you have eaten and are satisfied, and have built good houses and lived in them, and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and gold multiply, and all that you have multiplies, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” This warning existed because God new of the tendency of humans who are fat and happy. They forget their need for God. In fact, the story of the Bible always seems to come down to this, the warnings, the ignorance or disobedience, and then the judgement.
I believe this is the current state of the church, over all. So many people are looking for revival but what the Church needs is reviving! So what should be done? Firstly, as many as recognize this issue need to go before the Lord and seek change, for both themselves and for others. Joshua 24:15 (NASB) says, “If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” We need to choose to serve God again. That comes from a heartfelt desire for God and His way. Notice though, this is a choice. We so need to repent!
Secondly, we need to go to God recognizing that we need His help to reignite the flame which seems to have been snuffed out. We will never get ourselves out of this backslidden stage alone. We need the help of the Holy Spirit. There is so much at stake if we don’t.
In times passed, God has allowed His people to suffer when they refuse to recognize Him. The cost to His people if we don’t get right is loss. If we will not recognize our depravity, we will be forced to. I am not trying to be a fear monger, this is simply how it works. People whose reliance is on money, jobs, economy, governments, and the like will lose those things until they once again recognize Him as their source.
We have a choice to make, we either turn back to God and live, or we continue our course of destruction. What we choose is up to us, though the outcome will be based on that decision. Let us pray that the Church realizes once again her need of a Savior. Let us individually start the process of repentance and encourage others to do the same. I do not believe all is lost just yet, however I do believe we are close to this possible judgement. I plead with God, we need Your help to see our depravity, Lord Jesus, may we once again honor You, bearing fruits of righteousness. Church, may we rise to God’s purposes and be renewed! Let’s choose to serve Him before it’s too late.
Be Blessed,
Pastor Jeff
