At What Cost?

They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace. Jeremiah 6:14

In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Ephesians 2:22

Here we have two wonderful & convicting verses about the reality of the state of many churches today. God speaks through Jeremiah saying that the leaders have lied to the people saying that there was “peace”; that everything was “ok” when it wasn’t. Then Paul says that the church that God builds, the only church which will be acceptable to Him in that final day would be & is a dwelling place for Him.

The “crowds at any price” mentality has swept across this land. This is true in whatever venue you choose. It could be crowds at concerts, movies, sports arenas, and sadly buildings that are supposed to be houses of worship for the people of God. This mentality is the motivating power behind much religious activity. We have forgotten that our first responsibility is not to make as many “converts” as possible, but to uphold the glory & honor of God in a world given over to the glory of sinful man.

No matter how many people we reach or touch with the gospel, we have failed unless, along with the message of salvation, we have boldly declared the depravity and sinfulness of man and the transcendent holiness of the Most High God. But we have reached the point where we degrade and compromise the truth in order to reach larger numbers. We dishonor God along the way and injure the souls of men.

There is an unholy temptation to modify the teachings of Christ with the hope that larger numbers may “accept” Him. This temptation is strong in this day of speed, size, noise, and crowds. We must resist this with every ounce of grace God has given us. We believe that crowds are the crowning status symbol for churches today. We live in a time where bigger is better and bigger is best. Paul Washer is wise when he states “we live in a land where big men build big church buildings and ministries on the bones of unconverted church members.” The only status symbol that should make any Christian congregation joyful, and that is to know that His house is a place where He dwells. That He will be present, walking in the midst. That is what Paul says in Ephesians. My dear friends, it would benefit us to ask ourselves this question; “when was the last time God was present amongst us?”

No matter the size of our assemblies, no matter how wonderful the “sanctuaries” look, our Lord wants our houses of worship to be known for His presence in the midst of us. We would do well not to settle for anything less! To have the Holy Spirit and the presence of our divine Prophet, Priest, and King amongst us. It is time to quit settling for “good”. Dear leader, are you declaring that there is “peace, peace” when you know there is not? Develope the backbone to stand in the way & declare the old paths. Dear Christian, is God in the midst of His people? Then plead, no, live on your knees until He comes! Let us not rest until we have Him amongst us!

Soli Deo Gloria ~ JR

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