For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost Romans 14:17
As we consider the text above, we find that God’s kingdom is not based on those things that may satisfy the flesh, but is rather established upon righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. In other words, we cannot depend on tangible items for our contentment or happiness, but rather in those spiritual things, which can be found only in our belief in, and our dependency on Jesus Christ.
However, many churches today have either never ran across this scripture, or have forgotten it altogether, since they are using any and all means available to cater to the fleshly wants and desires of their congregations, and these congregants, like the newly hatched birds with mouths wide open, are anxiously expecting to be catered to. These are those who are always looking to experience another emotional event; ever anticipating some heightened sense of pleasure or enjoyment, yet sadly, they are never able to come to the understanding of true joy. They are searching for something, anything that will satiate their innumerable wants and desires. Today’s “church” has stepped in, attempting to become the sole provider for all their cravings. It has assumed the same role as that of a fretting mother trying to content her bratty child.
How, we may ask, did it come to this? The answer is not overly complicated when we consider that these things did not occur overnight but rather over a period of many years. We find that over the decades, many churches discovered that emotionalism, fueled by entertainment, could be used as a potent drug to keep their membership deceived into a false sense of spiritual health and well being. However, of late, many have come to realize that this was only a temporary fix. For, much like any other addiction, larger and larger “doses” are required to sustain the same emotional “high”, and since true worship was never designed for entertainment purposes, these churches had no recourse but to turn to the world’s devices in an attempt to fill the void in these empty hearts. In doing this, they have all but removed their identity as a true church of Christ, for we find that a true church is to be a called out, separated and sanctified band of people. “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you” (2 Cor 6: 17)
On the other end of the spectrum, are the “old time religionists”, who, much like the modern church, also turned their attention to emotionalism to capture the hearts and minds of the people. However, unlike the more modern church, this band of people sees the “world” and those entertainments that it may afford as deadly poison offered at the extended hand of Satan himself. They refuse to alter their time honored emotional methodology, which they have come to understand to be the Spirit, and they, not willing to change this mindset, are now facing a grave dilemma. They are finding, as did the “new age” church that emotions have a tendency to run their course, much like grief after the loss of a loved one. However, they still refuse to bring in the world’s programs, which could possibly be the only hope of growing their ranks. Therefore, once the emotional experience has become passé (as in the winning touchdown brings us screaming to our feet, but after the twentieth replay we may well change the channel, passé) they have nowhere else to go, and their numbers have begun to dwindle. Welcome to the era of the “modern” (modern in this case is that which has arisen over the last two centuries) church, where but a few know the true meaning of worship.
Sadly, the average “Christian” of today is not far from claiming the title of “hedonist”. Self pleasure and or gratification are the underlying reasons for attending church services. And why should we be surprised. After all, is this not what is taught from the pulpit today? “God wants everyone to be happy and to feel good” has become the main theme of most services. After hearing this preached week after week, most have come to expect that God’s purpose for existence is for their own happiness and complete fulfillment in their lives. And we cannot forget to mention that, in their minds, it is His duty to provide them with full contentment, even though we find in Apostle Paul’s Philippian letter that contentment is a learning process dependant entirely upon the attitude of the child of God. (Philippians 4:11)
The so called gospel message of most churches today is not the gospel of Jesus Christ at all, but is nothing more than just one more motivational speech, whose sole purpose is to incite or excite the psyche of the hearer; to build the ego and self worth of the individual. All the while, the news of the efficacious and substitutionary death of Jesus Christ has become secondary, if even mentioned at all.
True worship and adoration of Jesus Christ is very seldom considered in today’s religious gatherings. How many today are “going to church” just to receive a blessing. This is not the statement of a true worshipper. Those who understand this would never think such a thing much less speak it. Those who grasp the true meaning of worship also understand that it is not about us, but all about Jesus Christ and what He has done.
He alone is worthy to receive honor glory and praise and blessing (Rev 4:11 and Rev 5:12).
Sam Everett
