For a very long time I have sought an answer to the question, “What is ruining the American church today?” The answer always gravitated to either a spiritually ineffective pastor, or a worldly, manipulative congregation.
I have finally arrived at an answer, and it doesn’t apply to every church, but I believe it does to the majority of houses of worship in our nation. It is the congregation that is destroying churches today. They are also often the reason for spiritually ineffective pastors.
Typically, a church that has been around for some time is generally run by rich, old people. And when they are spiritually misguided, it affects the entire body of Christ (Hebrews 2:5). And I’m not picking on elderly people. At age 63, I am a senior citizen myself (but hardly rich).
I draw this conclusion from what I have witnessed in my life as a Christian and in talking with faithful brothers and sisters.
Money becomes weaponized, and those who have it dictate what type of church they want. It’s their social club, bought and paid for, as they see it. It’s destructive and pervasive.
The wealthy provide the majority of financial support for most churches. Many of these same people believe they are investing in the direction of the ministry. But, they are not ministers. Thus, it becomes about what they will tolerate or feel comfortable with.
I can’t tell you how many times I have heard of calls going out for Pastors where the prime interest from the aging puppet masters is the man “must be a good fit” for “our church.” What’s this “must be a good fit” baloney? Wouldn’t a good fit be a Pastor who teaches about sin and repentance? And it’s the Lord’s house - not yours. What about coming to church “to serve,” and not to be served?
The stark truth is that Jesus Christ Himself would be a little too severe to minister to these congregations. “Sorry, Jesus, but You’re not a good fit here. Have a nice day!”
Pastors are often reduced to babysitters trying to keep the peace. The entire church becomes a daycare center where a minister of the Gospel is spending more time trying to pacify the crying babies than raising members to spiritual maturity (1 Cor. 13:11). And the good, un-crying infants, never get to grow in Christ.
Misguided, politically correct congregation hierarchies are destroying the American church. Their demands are not spiritual, they are self-serving. They demand comfort in their sin. They want Pastors who don’t offend them with God’s truth.
Perhaps what would work best for these puppeteers is to take their money and construct a huge clubhouse where they can design a religious cult that makes them feel good about themselves. They deserve it. But, they also deserve our prayers. God help them.
Only when you are in a Biblical truth church, one that tells you what you need to hear, not only what you want to hear, will you discover and surrender to the true Jesus.
Church is not a community potluck, it’s an opportunity to commit and surrender to your Master. It’s your duty to serve Him. It’s not about you. Jesus makes it about you (John 3:16, Romans 8:32), but you were created to make it all about Him (Col. 1:16).
Of course, there are situations where Pastors do not teach Biblical truth and finding another church is encouraged. But when doctrine is spot on, and you are uncomfortable, it’s best to stay. Get over yourself and learn something eternal.
Only a fool would ever attempt to destroy a good Pastor for their own selfish reasons. Be silent and come to serve, not to be served, and you will be amazed. Don’t let your worldly self get in the way of a true, meaningful relationship with Christ.
In the secular world, a response to the “happy” question results in a “yes,” generally speaking. We may not be happy with everything, but choose happiness over distress.
But in the worldly sense, what inspires happiness? Well, we are happy when things are going our way, not so much when they are not.
Not going God’s way, mind you, but our way.
So, happiness has become a word I relegate to the secular vocabulary.
Joy, on the other hand, is a word I relegate to the spiritual realm. We can only achieve true Joy when we know who created us and live to serve Him.
Happiness doesn’t require responsibility. Joy is a little more complex and arises from commitment. Spiritual commitment.
I often answer the “Are you happy?” question with, “Well, I can say I’m content.” The word “content” I relegate to the spiritual realm as one cannot be truly content without handing it all over to Christ. Contentment is peace. Spiritual peace. And I guarantee, you can never find happiness without peace.
World War I Allied soldiers, clutching their Bibles in foxholes, were anything but happy. But they found contentment and peace during the worst of times. And how did they achieve that? Through the Spirit.
Happiness, like the word love, has been hijacked by secular society. Our pastor has said many times that you can love your car or love McDonald’s. Thus, when a word becomes too broad in its application, it becomes meaningless. When you can apply it to anything it means nothing.
If you want the true meaning, or definition of love, return to Scripture. It originates there and hasn’t been tarnished by secular society.
If you desire true happiness, find it in spiritual contentment. No weapon formed against you will steal your inner joy. Contentment comes from absolute trust in Jesus. You will never be “happy” without it.
