Warning: You will not like this. I don’t like this. If it is false, ignore it. If it convicts, let’s do something about it.
What is wrong with the American church? Are we not an exceptional bunch? After all, in the American church, what the Bible says applies to everyone, except us.
In the American church, it is okay to store up for retirement, worrying about what we will eat and wear tomorrow.
In the American church, it is okay to take care of me and my own and let others – even the brethren – fend for themselves.
In the American church, it is okay to make our plans (e.g. career, standard of living, leisure activity) and expect God to bless them.
In the American church, it is okay to promote our programs more than our God.
In the American church, it is okay to turn a blind eye to the debilitating sin of our brothers and sisters.
In the American church, God is forever for us regardless of our concern for, or obedience to, His desires and expectations.
In the American church, we are not required to be disciples of Jesus Christ to enjoy the benefits of heaven.
In the American church, ministry is the responsibility of the hired hands, and an option for everyone else.
In the American church, it is okay to avoid danger – even when that means ignoring injustice.
In the American church, we are allowed to cover our light with a basket in secular, or otherwise uncomfortable, settings.
In the American church, we turn to our government to protect us, secure us, and empower us.
In the American church, we celebrate a nation that looks more like Babylon than does any other nation on earth; and we believe God will bless it.
In the American church, we blame Satan and the world for our low estate, seemingly ignorant of our responsibilities as disciple makers and agents of transformation.
In the American church, the systems and treasures of this world are preferred over those of God’s kingdom.
In the American church, individual rights are more important than submission to authority.
What is wrong with the American church? Simply put, we are an exceptionally deceived bunch. Our brothers and sisters in less exceptional conditions are concerned for us. From an Indian evangelist (via Open Doors):
“They (western churches) have managed to turned a dangerous God into a safe one…instead of a God that burns with fury against hypocrisy, idolatry and injustice, they have a God that turns a blind eye to all our faults, just keeps on loving us with a disinterested air, and seems not to care whether we stand out for him or not.”
God have mercy on us! Open our eyes to our true condition! Lead us to fear Your fury! Lead us to mourning! Lead us to true repentance!
Humbly yours and forever His,
Rob
P.S. Most who read this far will likely assume that Satan is the primary source of our deception. That too is a deception. Our #1 enemy – our carnal mind – would have us blame the one who must flee at our resistance. In the meantime, hidden away, it rationalizes and excuses our ungodly behavior. We are our own worst enemy.