The church is polluted. How did it get that way?
Well, it’s been a long time coming. Honestly, I believe what probably began with a pure desire to increase the body of Christ, churches became so financially dependent and church growth became such a competition, that the waters became muddy. Churches began to pander to the crowd instead of simply hosting the Presence. I believe this probably began way before any of us were ever born. Actually, the New Testament shows us that as soon as the church began people started screwing things up.
God is the only reason we should be doing anything. His Presence and His word should be our most intense focus. When we focus on scripture, Presence, and simply loving Jesus, people are drawn to that. People don’t need to be convinced to come into His Presence. His Presence draws hearts. His word guides and convicts. It doesn’t need to be watered down or omitted. It just needs to be able to do its work.
When church is overly focused on lights and sound, on programs and being seen, when pastors desire to be celebrities…it draws people, but it draws the wrong things in them. That kind of church pulls on the pride and haughtiness in people.
If the godly give in to the wicked, it’s like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring. Proverbs 25:26
This scripture gives us the insight to what we saw when Covid ravaged our country. The godly gave into the wicked by closing churches, while bars and strip clubs remained open. It was all a lie friends. The church should’ve been hosting the Presence in that time. Instead, they all closed. I never imagined it would/could happen. I was appalled when it did. I remember wondering what the heck all the pastors were reading, because the Bible I read was very clear on matters such as this. I kept wondering why so many people lost sight of God as Healer.
I kept thinking, “Come on church!!! This is our moment!!! Let’s show the world that we believe the songs we sing every Sunday and in our cars all week long. Let’s show the world we have what they need.” Instead, we fumbled.
Churches are places of healing. Coming before the Lord with worship is what we were created to do…so why would we allow anyone to stop us?
Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear You. 1 Timothy 4:16
The time of Covid did make me watch more closely what I was being taught from the pulpit…or more importantly what I wasn’t being taught.
We need a genuine move of God. We need churches that are desperate for God’s Presence. More desperate for Him than they are for their own agenda and pocketbooks. How can churches raise up laid down lovers of God, when they themselves are busier serving their own kingdoms?
The waters are polluted, but God can make it pure in a moment.
Come Lord Jesus Come and purify our churches. Purify our hearts. We need You to move in our world. Help us to be conduits of Your Presence. Teach us how to steward Your Presence. Teach us how to wait on You. Come and teach us Your ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
365 Days in the Presence 