We need to avoid the persuasive half-truths and falsehoods of this world. They are meant to scratch our itchy ears, causing us to hop from one church to another when the pew gets hot with God’s Word.
A former pastor shared this question posed by the Power of Positivity page: “What improved your quality of life so much that you wish you did it sooner?” A couple of people responded with very practical answers such as buying a washer and dryer and getting eight hours of sleep. One comment probably shocked the former pastor, as it was from a former member of the church he pastored. It said, “Finding a great church with a no-nonsense solid teaching of God’s Word, Christ and His Gospel…where each time you hear God’s word preached, you get convicted of your sins and want to change and praise God for all the glory He deserves.” Wow!
Many have been called church-hoppers, commitment-phobes who struggle to maintain a long-term or even permanent relationship with a fellowship. Some may not like or agree with what the pastor teaches. Others may have had an argument with another church member and there is seemingly no possibility of repairing the broken relationship. There are those who use the church as a business network, leaving the membership after exhausting the lineup. Others are in constant search of the perfect church, where the music is just the right sound and the length of the sermon does not border on sending one to sleep.
There are also different denominations going beyond foundational doctrines and beliefs, and classifications such as conservative, progressive, and so forth need to be tacked on for easy identification. So much research is required that giving up church is a much easier route to take.
But over the years, we’ve all struggled with the failures of Christians, whether committed by leaders or members. Allegations of abuse and scandals have brought to light horrifying tales happening in churches, giving fodder to mainstream media and allowing them a great excuse to rejoice over our inability to practice what we preach and teach. In many ways, the Body of Christ has been tarnished by all of us who call on the name of Jesus.
If we think about our own faith walk, there are a couple of things we should ask ourselves if we truly desire to live out our faith in Christ:
1. Do We Believe Truth Is Different per Person?
We know that we cannot impose our faith on others. So, we tread lightly and dance around the idea of “to each his own.” It’s best to keep our faith to ourselves to avoid conflict or humiliation... right?
How about a healthy discussion on the Word of God among fellow believers?
Read John 15:1-17 on the Vine and the branches, focusing on verses 5-6: “I am the vine and you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.”
Can we remain in the Vine with our selfish desires, tiptoeing through our faith with more concern for our likeability over the truth that changes lives and saves souls?
2. Do We Believe the Bible Is the Absolute Authority?
Do you believe in the absolute authority of the Word considering today’s changing cultural landscape? We have heard even Christians proclaim the false notion that some passages no longer apply today. Even the term “New Testament Christian" sounds better than a “Bible believer.” Perhaps it’s just an excuse for those who do not know what the Old Testament contains when we clearly must read and study the Bible from cover to cover. What about New Testament verses standing against homosexuality that are looked over or twisted behind the pulpit?
Why not take the challenge to read the entire Bible this year? There are many reading plans and virtual groups available to join.
Read the following passages: Joshua 1:8; 2 Timothy 3:16; and Hebrews 4:12. These are just a few emphasizing the benefits God’s Word provides. 2 Timothy calls our attention to “all Scripture,” meaning the Bible in its entirety.
How would reading the Bible from cover to cover transform us from spiritual infants to the holy priesthood?
3. Do We See Our Christianity as Limiting?
Do you find your faith in Jesus to be limiting and other practices more exciting? People are encouraged to dig deeper to unleash the power within or to tap into their spiritual energy. Notice that there are even trendy words like "manifest" in our vocabulary, and "holy yoga," which basically mimics an ancient pagan practice. As if adding the word “holy” makes it more acceptable to God.
How about joining a Bible study to dive into the pearls of wisdom in God’s Word? You can look in your own church for a group study.
Read the following passages: John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5; and 1 John 5:12. These passages point to Christ Jesus as the only way to eternal life. He is calling us to Himself and an exclusive relationship, whereby we are provided an abundant life not just today, but forever.
What comes to mind and how do you feel when you read Isaiah 54:5: “For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called”?
4. Are We Willing to Stay on the Straight and Narrow?
Are you willing to live your life in Christ and stay on the narrow path? It’s easier to live without boundaries and rules. It’s also more fun when there are no restrictions. The world offers the freedom to be who you want to be without any accountability.
Pray for the godly resolution to remain true to God's desire for your life and find a fellow believer who will encourage you and keep you accountable.
Read the following passages: Romans 12:1-2; 1 John 4:4; and Matthew 6:24. These passages prove that we are all new creations in Christ Jesus, but we must keep seeking God’s kingdom, always mindful of what we do. Our enemy, the devil, is always lurking, finding a way to trip us up.
Find other passages in the Bible that will provide encouragement as we “enter into the narrow gate” knowing that “the way that leads to life is difficult” (Matthew 7:13-14, paraphrased).
We need to avoid the persuasive half-truths and falsehoods of this world. They are meant to scratch our itchy ears, causing us to hop from one church to another when the pew gets hot with God’s Word. Remember also what the aftermath of cultural accommodations can bring. The Bible is clear that the righteous shall live by faith and the unrighteous will experience God’s wrath. It is very clear that those who know the Word of God but practice all manner of unrighteousness will die (Romans 1:16-32).
Let’s grow our faith through disciplines that include Bible reading and study, prayer, and fellowship. Let’s keep training our spiritual muscles so that we will have the strength to say “No” to temptation. It’s the only way to be anchored to Jesus so we don’t drift away from Him and lose our joy in fellowshipping with the Father.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Nabih e Navarro
Luisa Collopy is an author, speaker and a women’s Bible study teacher. She also produces Mula sa Puso (From the Heart) in Tagalog (her heart language), released on FEBC Philippines stations. Luisa loves spending time with her family over meals and karaoke!
