Finally, there was a sense of pride in the community. Efforts were being made to build a church large enough to support the entire neighborhood a project that everyone could be a part of. Its construction served as the focal point to unite the people; everyones attention was centered on its magnificence. That church brought people together like never before and served as a place of refuge and restoration, of healing and encouragement . . . it was a source of inspiration for all.
But time has brought about a change. What once stood as a symbol of integrity, unity, and strength is now falling to pieces before our very eyes. Years ago, many passionate sermons and heartfelt songs of praise were heard within the walls of that church. Today, only the memories of its glory remain.
A few years ago I traveled to Detroit for a surprise birthday party. During the thirty-plus hours of road time, I could not help but notice the number of churches there was along the way. We passed by modern facilities as well as the more traditional structures, all with appropriately fitting names. The sheer number of churches we passed dumbfounded me and triggered many questions in my mind.
Upon my return home, I performed some simple research only to become more troubled by what I had found. There were more than 600 churches listed in the phone directory that covered the area in which I live. Disturbing news since there isnt a major city nearby and not all churches were listed.
It is puzzling to me that we have so many churches in operation across this country but yet the moral direction of this nation is rapidly declining. There should be evidence that the Church (body of Christ) is in operation aside from the number of churches there are sprinkled across the countryside.
As I look at the church in the cover photo, I am reminded of the questions asked by Haggai the prophet: Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? And how do ye see it now? Is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing? (2:3).
There is little resemblance between the church in the photograph and that same building when it was originally constructed. And today, only the faintest trace of evidence connects the Church to the original Church that sprang forth in the Book of Acts. What began as a Christ-centered, united body of believers has turned into the degenerate, divided people we see today. Instead of standing as one house, we have opted to build our own. Such thinking has brought about thousands of denominations and associations. And yet we claim to all be part of the Church. This simply cannot be. We are supposed to be a unified army doing the work of the Lord. But we are divided and torn, caving in under the weight of our own agendas. A house divided cannot and will not stand (Mark 3:25).
God is glorious and nothing can change that. He sits upon His throne whether we believe or not or whether we serve Him or not. Our actions cannot stop Him from being who He is. He will always be God.
But when a person becomes a Christian, that person has decided to wear His name; that persons actions reflect upon Him. I can remember the words of my junior high school principal in a speech he gave me for skipping class. Before he paddled me, he said, Michael, you know better. I hardly remember the licks but those words stayed with me.
He could say that I knew better because he had taught my older siblings. He knew that my mother had raised her children well and my behavior was out of character for one of Myrl Seays kids. When I heard the words you know better, I felt as if I had cast a bad light upon my family. As Christians we must be sure our actions do not bring shame upon God. We must wear His name with honor.
It all starts with leadership. If we are to rise up and become that exceedingly great army, those in leadership must accept the roles they have been assigned and fill them with respect and honor. Those in leadership must realize that a leader leads by example, whether he intends to or not. Our leaders must walk upright before the Lord.
More effort needs to be put into learning, understanding, and applying Gods word. How else can we expect to please Him? And how can we let our light shine (Matt. 5:16) when we seem to barely understand how to turn it on? If we are to be of any help to anyone, we must be prepared ourselves.
Many people determine whether God really cares based on the way they see Christians treating others (they are reading you instead of the Bible). After all, if anyone should be able to display the love of God it ought to be those who claim to know Him. As Felix Adler once said, To care for anyone else enough to make their problems one's own, is ever the beginning of ones real ethical development. Instead of just holding another prayer meeting, we need to take appropriate action as well.
Lastly, there has to be commitment. We have to be willing to see this through until the end. When Joshua informed the people that they would go and help their brethren, he didnt tell them how many days it would take to complete the work. He told them until (Joshua 1:15). Being a Christian requires dedication to Gods word and to others.
When our leaders begin to promote God instead of themselves; when we as individuals become serious about who we are going to be; when we learn to treat others the way wed like to be treated; and when we decide to remain steadfast until the end, we would set in motion one of the greatest revivals in history. And the glory of this latter house will be greater than of the former (Haggai 2: 9).
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