Ephesians 5:6-10
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as chidren of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.
I listen to so many sermons, and hear so many empty words. Words that depend on me and my works, words that make God sound desperate for my soul. Why would God want my dark and dirty soul? Only because He loves me, not because He is desperate. God is not interested in numbers. And because of these words, the wrath of God will come.
I struggle even at the church I attend. God is so dishonored through some of the things that are taught and said, and yet I cannot exist apart from the church. Truly there are weeds among us. And their fruit exposes them to the discerning, but not to their own blind eyes. They run, they hide, they shiver in their insecurity. They do not address or discuss.
So I must struggle with the phrase that says, "do not become partners with them." And my answer is to not partner with their hypocrisy, but to stand firm in what I believe.
They haven't thrown me out yet! (Although it has been suggested that I might be more comfortable somewhere else.) Since when did Jesus promise us comfort? If he wanted us to be comfortable, he would not let the weeds among us, would he?
2 comments:
32 years in my church. Pastoral staff for 6 years, Trustee for 4 years, Chairman of the Deacons for 6 years, Choir member for 28 years, School board member for 4 years, Teacher at various times BUT the church I left was not the church I joined. They lost their way. As chairman of the Deacons, I could not "partner with their hypocrisy." They sacrificed Truth for growth schemes. When I exposed them to themselves, they threatened me and marginalized me. Staying was painful but the thought of leaving my church was torment. Once I left, I felt freedom and peace that I had not experienced for years.
You really might be called somewhere else.
Thanks for sharing this; I feel your pain.
It is a mind-bending choice, but for now we believe we are called to stay. It is almost like there is some unfinished business that needs to be taken care of.
I pray that it is taken care of soon.
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