What’s been happening at your church which causes you to wonder or stumble or backslide or doubt the gospel? I know from experience that some of the behaviours conveyed by church-going members are sometimes so repulsive you would doubt if there is a God watching.
What is the explanation for that you may wonder? Is not the church supposed to be a miniature picture of heaven on earth decorated with saints? What do you think?
Going to church can be likened to going to school. In order to come out top one needs to work hard and take the studies seriously or else just like a school drop-out, there is not much that is expected of you. “Fine mental qualities and a high tone of moral character are not the results of an accident. God gives opportunities; success depends upon the use made of them. The openings of Providence must be quickly discerned and eagerly entered”.
Christ knew of the circumstances that would surround the church once he is gone even into the future. Instead of likening it to the church, he used an interesting illustration that I want to share with you.
Matt 13:47-50
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: 48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. 49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, 50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Christ saw how the existence of false brethren in the church would cause the way of truth to be ill-spoken. The world would revile the gospel because of the inconsistent lives of false professors and it is this saying that gives us clearness of the true meaning of those events. In this life, you are either the good fish or the bad fish. Jesus made yet another similar illustration when speaking about the church.
Matt 13:24-30
Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. 27 “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ 28 “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ 29 “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’’
There is not a time when the church shall be free of bad behaviour or mischievous people. Christ spoke plainly that such we shall have until the judgment day. No remedy can get rid of them. So how are you and I supposed to carry ourselves amidst this unfolding drama?
1Both the parable of the tares and that of the net plainly teach that there is no time when all the wicked will turn to God. The wheat and the tares grow together until the harvest. The good and the bad fish are together drawn ashore for a final separation. Again, these parables teach that there is to be no probation after the judgment. When the work of the gospel is completed, there immediately follows the separation between the good and the evil, and the destiny of each class is forever fixed. (COL 123.1)
Attending church is not a gate pass to heaven. It is the work and effort that you put into it that will decide your destiny. The disciples were called Christians because they followed in the footsteps of Christ. They were his followers in everything. This should be our number one goal and to everyone who calls himself a Christian.
Luke 9:23-24
“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Jesus took his cross and died on it because it was an honour to die for the truth. Today he commands that each person picks up his or her cross and likewise die for the cause. Manifestation of mischievous behaviour does not show that one is bearing a cross after Christ.
2“No man can become strong in faith without a determined effort. Unbelief strengthens as it is encouraged; and if man instead of dwelling upon the evidences which God has given to sustain their faith, permit themselves to question and cavil, they will find their doubts constantly becoming more confirmed”. (Triumph of God’s Love by E.G.W p462)
If you thought going to church is supposed to be a walkover then you missed it because the church can be quite thought-provoking too. You need to be more serious than that. God has called us for a higher purpose.
We have to co-operate with him if we want to be heirs of his coming kingdom and he has not called us to be slack or lazy. To each, he has given talents and work to perform. When he comes the second time he is going to need a report of all our work of which failure is not an option.
3No value is attached to a mere profession of faith in Christ; only the love which is shown by works is counted genuine. (G.C p424)
God bless you!! as you ponder upon these words
References
[1Christ’s object lessons: 2Triumph of God’s love: 3Great Controversy by Ellen G. White]
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