What would it look like if every single person on this earth that calls themselves a Christian truly lived out the love to which we were called? Is not this all that we ought to do?
Something I can say with certainty is that this is simply not so. While I have friends and know that there are many others out on the frontlines putting the love of God to the test, still there exists ample amounts of those who simply do not. Some may never even try.
This thought truly disgusts me. And if you think my words are harsh, why not take the Word of the LORD?
'I know your deeds, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were wither one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm -neither hot nor cold- I am about to spit you out of my mouth.' Revelation 3:15,16
I find it rather interesting that the Lord even goes into detail about what he means by being lukewarm. Neither hot nor cold. Why would he add that? Is it perhaps because denial of him (being cold) saddens Him, but following him in a lukewarm fashion repulses Him? Disgusts Him? Makes Him want to 'spit them out of his mouth?'
This is not meant to sound judgemental, this is simply what I see when I look at the church in Western society. Something I want to know is how the church ever got this way in the first place. It holds very little similarity with the first church other than perhaps the aspect of fellowship. One thing I do know is that the enemy is pleased with the church's structure. Ideas based on principles rather than letting the Spirit lead. Schedules. Programs. Oh and a little bit of worship and a nice uplifting message. But is that it? Is Sunday during church our God time for the week? Or maybe we take a step further and say a nice 3 minute prayer right before falling asleep driven by guilt. It's a wonder that that guilt is there in the first place. Could it be because it ought to be there, because it means that we know the LORD deserves more of our attention? Not only more, but all?
Imagine if the LORD said "Ok, you've got a ten minute time slot from 1:00-1:10 p.m. on Wednesdays. That's all the time I have for you."
Ouch. I for one would not want to hear that. In the same way, we ought to be giving the Lord ALL of our attention. Mumford and Sons put it this way:
You desired my attention but denied my affection.
Maybe if we started working on ourselves and actually accepting what the LORD has to offer us if only we seek him, the church would be awakened. His bride would come together in a mighty chorus and proclaim 'Praise be to God!' I see a church where, when a stranger enters in, they will say 'Surely the Holy Spirit is alive and moving in this place!'
How dare we look for churches that fit OUR needs? Or criticize the worship because it's just not OUR favorite? Hence, all the denominations. I wonder... what if, I know it's crazy, we stepped outside of our four walls? Our walls of comfort? Where we feel safe? Do you want safety, or do you want joy everlasting?
How about taking the love of Christ to the streets? Is not this what the church out to look like? Rooted in love instead of doctrine? Love truly is all that we need.
I am tired of church. Especially when radicals like myself are shot down because my ideas are simply too crazy. Too much for God to handle right? Well then tell me, what God is that you're serving? Because it certainly isn't the Almighty Jehovah that is able to immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.
LORD, may your bride be awakened to the great danger in dimishing your power. May you make yourself known, in this moment, to those living crippled lives full of religious practice and principles. And may you make your face to shine upon those who are being held captive by the enemy away from your power and your love that is vast beyond all measure. AMEN.
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