As humans we have expectations about different things. We tend to stereotype things. In the last few decades, we have been rebelling against stereotypes. Depending on the stereotype, it can be a good thing or bad. For example, back in the day diaper commercials showed moms and babies. Nowadays diaper commercials show dads as well. Anyone remember Meghan Markle’s letter campaign about involving men in dong dishes? I consider those rebellions a good thing. However, the Church being secularized to keep up with modern day “morals” and Christians acting worldly in an effort to “evangelize” is wrong. World views church as misogynistic, a playground for bigotry and racism. In an effort to fit in with the world, some megachurches have changed their views on critical aspects. Anyone who takes a second to read and try to comprehend Bible would learn that Bible is “pro-women”, “anti-racist” and screams love and equality for all. Granted, the Bible does not look at sin lightly and requires a change of heart. Modern churches are all about love but not about repentance. Past few years have been rocky for the church.
While the church has been too busy with inclusivity, have we excluded salvation through repentance? We tell others “come as you are”. However, we should not leave them as they are but encourage and nurture them to shed their worldliness and grow in Christ. If not, aren’t we doing more damage? If we poison food and feed it to someone, aren’t we murdering? With the same logic, if we feed poisonous doctrine to newbie Christian, aren’t we trying to destroy the work of God. Calvinists, please hold your pitchforks. I am basing this on Romans 14 where Paul wrote to the Roman church about believers who are vegetarians and not. However, if the scripture calls something a sin in the first century, I believe it is still a sin in the 21st century. Why? Because God does not change! If I go to the doctor with an illness and the doctor tells me I am fine so that I feel better rather than treating the disease, will I be cured? NO!!!! Church, please wake up and smell the vomit and poop around you. Clean yourself!!! You have been drunk in worldliness for far too long.
What should the Church do? What is our next step? Hmmm….only if there was a manual we can reference. Wait a minute, there is. Follow the Bible unapologetically! Love one another. Do unto others what you wish were done for you! Love your neighbor! Share the good news! Do good!
Most of us have had a terrible year so far and we are in the holiday season. This is a great opportunity to show others what life with Jesus means to you. Quit being a lazy Sunday Christian! Rather, encourage those who are timid and sort of introverted. Take care of the weak ones. If someone is weak in their faith, encourage them, pray with and for them. Wherever you are planted, you are planted there for a reason. If you are weak in faith, reach out to a brother or sister in Christ and for the love of God, please take that “I am fine” mask off. You are not fine and it is okay to ask for prayer. Most of all, be patient, loving and kind to one another.
As we get close to the end of this year and after suffering loss of various kinds, it is only natural for us to ask, “Can anything good come out of this?” It is okay to feel despondent. It has not been easy. Remember to trust God. He knows you and never left your side. One day when someone else goes through a rough patch, you will be able to encourage them and empathize with them. In the meantime, let us pray “Come Lord, Jesus come”!
Scriptures:
Romans 14: 16-23 Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall. So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.
1. Thessalonians 5:14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.
