Church Loyalty

Some who wear the name "Christian" seem to enjoy trashing the bride of Christ. Ironically, although they purport to dislike various aspects of the church, for some reason they keep attending the services. What's dangerous is that although it might be only one person doing the damage initially, that person can poison an entire crowd of people, and eventually, a whole congregation. I've seen it happen.

1. Fair-Weather Christians:

A fair-weather Christian will stay associated with the body of Christ physically even though their heart is elsewhere. John referred to such people as being in darkness (1 Jno. 2: 19). They're the seed that fell on stony ground. They're easily drawn away by temptation (Luk. 8: 13). Anything will cause them to skip services (a party, the Superbowl, etc.). I'm not talking about instances in which one is physically ill, truly impeded by some crisis, or made to work by their employer. Some things cannot be helped. However, we cannot serve two masters, and the Lord says if we're not for him, we're against him (Mt. 6: 24; 12: 30).

We're to remain "grounded and steadfast," and "set for the defense of the gospel," not unlike the cleated sandals of a Roman soldier (Phil. 1: 15-17). We're to remain unmovable.

2. Are you ashamed to be a member of the body of Christ?

Read Mk. 8: 38; 14: 66-72. Would Jesus feel betrayed by you like he was when Peter denied him three times?

All humans, Christians included, are fallible. Luckily, as Christians, we can be restored to very moment we acknowledge our sins to God and repent (1 Jno. 1: 9). Despite our personal shortcomings, we are to continue to defend the gospel. The church is made up of members, like myself, who are far from perfect. Apostle Paul referred to himself as "chief" among sinners. I know what he means. I've been a prodigal daughter myself. I'm blown away by how much God loves me anyway (Rom. 5: 8). That's why I never want to cast aspersions upon the church to others, especially unbelievers. Nor do I ever want to ridicule those who govern my local congregation and who are responsible for my soul, as well as their own (Heb. 13: 17; 1 Tim. 5: 17). Ridicule of the church can also extend to various parts of the worship services which are authorized in the Scriptures. Such an attitude should not exist.

We should guard the Lord's church with a godly jealousy (2 Cor. 11: 2-3). Would you sit idly by while someone talked trash about your husband or children? Not a chance!! You would most likely turn into a she-bear if that happened. Being criticized hurts, doesn't it? Continuing that thought, I've included the following poem. Personally, I hate poetry. That's why I'm not a high school lit teacher, I suppose. I give you the following, however, because I appreciate the message it imparts and it's short:

THREE GATES

If you are tempted to reveal
A tale someone has told
About another, make it pass,
Before you speak, three gates of gold.

These narrow gates: First, 'Is it true?'
Then, 'Is it needful?' In your mind
Give truthful answer. And the next
Is last and narrowest, 'Is it kind?'

And if to reach your lips at last
It passes through these gateways three,
Then you may tell the tale, nor fear
What the results of speech may be.

I know this is about talking about another individual, but it could just as easily apply to the church.


3. The gospel light vs. "gospel lite":

"Gospel lite" is ineffective; unable to save anyone. Unfortunately, in order to cushion themselves from critics, some churches have watered down the gospel message--taken the teeth out of it. This makes it not just ineffective, but just plain boring to listen to. Do you enjoy eating diet food? Not me! Would you pour cold tap water into a freshly brewed cup of coffee? Absolutely not me! Both of the foregoing examples would result in my food and my coffee having very little flavor to it. It would be just plain nasty. I want what I have to digest to taste good. Likewise, the gospel message was designed to have some punch to it. Our speech is to be "with grace seasoned with salt" (Col. 4: 6). Paul said to speak only sound doctrine and to rebuke and exhort within the authority of the Scriptures (Titus 2: 1, 15). We have to take into account that those who remain untaught the basics have no foundation on which to build loyalty to the cause of Christ. I used to have a boss who said that it wasn't good enough to say we do this or that "just because;" that we need to understand why and be able to give a reason for the mechanics of the work we perform.

4. Our purpose for existing:

Think of the reason why we come together every first day of the week. What if your small child was in the middle of the road about to be hit and your neighbors' teenage son, an only child, ran out and pushed him or her to safety before being struck and killed by the speeding truck himself? Come the day of that young man's memorial service are you going to stay home because: (1) you worked really hard all week and you're really tired and deserve a day off; or (2) you have so many other things that you need to do that there's just no time to attend? How do you think that young man's parents would feel? How then do you think God feels when we forsake the memorial of His Son? One thing I cannot get past is Hebrews 10: 25: "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (NIV)

We can expect perhaps some mental persecution from people treating us badly or making us social outcasts because we choose to do the right thing. Therefore, courage for the cause of Christ must be cultivated (Eph. 4: 14-15). Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14 says, "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."

We are to stand for the faith and speak the truth in love (Eph. 4: 15). Lost souls are the high price for our failure to do so.

In conclusion, consider the following quote from author Jill Briscoe:

"The problem with sin is you never sin to yourself. If you go cold spiritually, you lower the temperature of everyone else around you. I believe God will hold us accountable for that."

Amen, Jill, so do I.

God bless you all and I look forward to your questions and comments.