“May the God who gives
endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each
other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may
glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans
15:5-6
The devil is having a field day in the church these
days. Back biting, slander and gossip
run rampant in some congregations.
Cliques abound as if it were an exclusive club. Judging others within and outside the family
of God based on their mode of dress or physical appearance has tragically
become fairly commonplace. What is
happening in the Christian church today?
Is it all the agendas poured out to attract those in their community as
if the Holy Spirit were incapable of wooing souls by Himself? Are churches more focused on bigger and
better programs than on the Lord Jesus Christ?
Maybe … nevertheless, something is wrong when Christians begin to stop
going to church. Perhaps they hunger for
a truly intimate relationship with God and aren’t finding it at any of the
churches they have visited.
Some
churches I have attended seem more like social clubs than havens for lost
souls. They seem to want to be known for
being the biggest and best. There are no
short cuts to growing in Christ and building unity within the body. It takes a deliberate and diligent effort on
the part of each believer to be more like Christ. If each believer set their heart on being all
God knows they can be the ungodly behavior would eventually shrivel up and die.
Churches
are to be of one mind and one voice glorifying God. Christ didn’t go to the cross for you and me
so that we can receive forgiveness, then go forward without a hint of
behavioral change. We must put aside our
old self and kill it so it cannot rise up again and again to choke out
spiritual growth. Look to Christ, not
others in the congregation to see what is expected of us. Until Christ Returns, walk with the King and
be a blessing!
Resource:
The Reformation Study Bible.
