Tonight I ran into an old friend I haven't seen in a while and we talked and caught up on what was going on in our lives. When the subject came up of where we were attending church and I asked if she was still attending the last church I knew her to attend, she responded with, "Yeah, I'm still hanging in there." There are no words to describe how much her answer grieves me. When asked about our church home should we not answer with excitement? If talking about it causes us to become depressed, then perhaps we need to examine if this is the place where God wants us to fellowship.
When we are planted in a life giving church it shows. It is also apparent when we are in an oppressive, dead, or spiritually controlling church. I have seen people in such churches and there is a spirit of heaviness around them. There is an inability to praise. There is a lack of light in their lives. They often appear to be walking with God, however it is a Judas faith. Just as Judas walked with Jesus, he was simply going through the motions. You can be serving in your church. You can be paying your tithes. You can be doing everything to give the appearance of a walk with God, and yet in your heart you are not "feeling" it.
John wrote a letter in Revelation to the church of Sardis. In his reprimand he refers to them as "having a reputation for being alive," but actually being dead. (Revelation 3:1) He continues in verse 2-3 instructing them to "be alert and strengthen what remains, which is about to die, for I have not found your works complete before My God. Remember therefore what you have received and heard; keep it, and repent."
The church of Sardis is known for being "life-giving." However, the reality is the church is dead. There is the illusion of life, however it's members are spiritually perishing. Their works are lacking. Perhaps when it comes to serving within the church walls there are volunteers, but when it comes to stepping outside of the church, nobody shows up. There is encouragement and hope for such a church. They can throw out what has gone astray and strengthen the Godliness that remains. In the past they have not only heard, but received from God. The proper instruction has once been in this house gone dead. If they are willing to keep the original word they heard from God, then they can come back to life! However, repentance is necessary to resuscitate this house of worship.
What happens in your heart when discussing your place of worship? Do you leave on Sunday (or whichever day you attend) feeling challenged in your walk, yet encouraged? Or do you leave feeling that you can check "attend church" off your "to-do" list? I am going to say something next that may offend some of you, but I feel it needs to be said. Is your church willing to operate their order of services according to the Holy Spirit? Or is their agenda and schedule more of a priority than what God wants to do during that time? If the latter is fitting of your church, it could be they have the appearance of being alive, yet in fact are dead. A church unwilling to allow God to move is unwilling to release their own agendas. Be very cautious of following this kind of leadership. This kind of leadership will also question when God is moving in your own life and cause you to doubt hearing His voice clearly.
My prayer for each of you today is to ask if you are truly where God wants you to be. Do you attend a church because of a sense of obligation? Is it where your parents attended? Have you been there for years and are afraid to make a change? Do you fear losing friendships if you move to where God is calling you? Sharing from experience, making changes reveals your true friendships. There are people who may be holding you back from stepping into what God is calling you to do and it is only by removal of those relationships that you can begin fulfilling your purpose. Count the losses as blessings! We should all be in a process of growth in our walk with God. This may mean we need to "graduate" to a different place of worship. Not all churches are the same. Some are content with being watered down and delivering a soft word. These are often referred to as "seeker friendly" churches. They want to make sure everyone is comfortable. However, as we grow and mature we need to be challenged. The reality is a soft word never truly changed anyone. Possibly for a season, but not long term, life altering, radical change. It is only by hearing the unadulterated word of God that a heart is truly moved to repentance.
This is a matter between yourself and God. Seek His guidance to ensure you are planted by streams of LIVING water!
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