Why do people pull away?

Why do people pull away from church and their pastor? (And most importantly, from their Lord?)

Luke 9:62  And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Here are some of the things we have observed, I am sure there are other reasons:

Carnality – Many know they cannot continue to have one foot in the world and one foot in the things of the Lord. Eventually, they choose the pleasures of the world over the blessings of the Lord. Those who go AWOL miss the old pig-pens and the slop of the world. They recall, with some sort of twisted fondness, the glories of the gutter.

Lack of character - They have put their hand to the plow but have not the character to keep hoeing the rows of righteousness. They are short-sighted, looking at present circumstances rather than at eternal reward.

Listening to the enemy – Many and effective are the tools of the enemy. At times, he whispers his lies in sibilant tones, convincing us of a better way. At other times he screams at us about how unfair God must be to keep us down, hold us back and withhold from us what we deserve.

Impatience – They were under some misguided impression that God had in store for them a glorious, trouble free path of perfection. There was no overnight panacea for their problems and so they go looking for another leave to overturn. 

Disillusionment – People begin to see that the Christians of Christianity aren’t always so Christ-like. They observe that church isn’t always the place that rocks like they had originally experienced. They continued to be mistreated at work, yelled at by the spouse, disobeyed by the kids, and ticketed for speeding by the officer. If God was so great, why am I still subject to life’s kryptonite?

Pressure – Blood is thicker than water, peer pressure is almighty strong. This person may meet God someday, but right now, family and friends are laying it on pretty thick.

Independence – In the end, most people are going to do what they want to do. Unless they have developed a vital relationship with Christ, a die-daily-to-self habit and a determination to endure to the end, they will eventually turn away.

Pride – People may feel lectured, their egos offended, their intellects challenged and their wills thwarted by the ways of the church. Sermons, discipleship and fellowship may pose a threat to their autonomy and so they bow out. Believers must ground themselves so deeply into the Word that nothing will offend them.

Hypocrisy – ‘nuf said. Though others will let us down, Jesus will never do so.

Hurt – there are those who have truly been abused by a church or church leadership, thus they bow out.

Of course, there are the old stand-by reasons – “I am not being fed” and “God is leading me elsewhere.” In reality, these could very well be valid reasons.

Forth those who have left a faith family, get in a good, gospel preaching church ASAP! Do your best to make things right with the church from which you have pulled away. You NEED a church and there is a church that needs you. Don’t let your experience keep you from having a vital relationship with your Lord.  

Whatever the reasons people leave a church, and some, the faith, Christ-honoring churches, pastors and Christians should love these people and seek to reconcile them to the body. After all, we have this ministry of reconciliation.

Rest in the Bosom of the Savior 9/11 Victims and First Responders

Nearly 3000 Americans perished 13 years ago today in the cowardly attacks upon our nation by misguided radical terrorists. Duty and honor require that we never forget the victims and the brave first responders.

May terrorism be thwarted on every front as God grants wisdom to those who protect us. May His mighty warrior angels halt wicked devices and break the evil plans to destroy innocent lives and interrupt the peace and freedom of God-loving people.

Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. I John 4:4

Must I Empty-Handed Go?

There I stood, empty handed in this 3 room cave haunted by those who lived outside of the law. When everyman’s hand was against them, it was a place such as this they would retreat. It was said that Jesse James himself used this cave. It is now fronted by a Subway Sandwiches and an adult novelty store, its entrance barricaded against the curious lest they hurt themselves and the city be found liable.

I will never forget the embarrassment and humiliation of meeting with my cub scout group at Robber’s Cave in SW Lincoln, only to find out, it was a birthday party to which I was invited, but somebody neglected to tell me the occasion.

As the horror of my ignorance throttled this bashful introvert of 11 years, I skulked to the shadows of one of the empty rooms to shamefully witness the happy birthday party of the den leader’s son. Alas, I brought nothing to the party to honor the birthday boy. Of such are the memories and regrets of life.

That gets me to surmising: What if I get to the Judgment seat of Christ and find out:

1.       It truly is a judgment and not just for rewards?

2.       That all I have been doing, giving, sacrificing was all just for me and not for Him?

3.       That I wasted my life, and really my eternity, by spending it on the wrong things?

4.       That I was too fearful of man and not nearly fearful enough of God?

5.       That I hardly ever won anybody to the Lord, even all those that I led to pray a prayer?

6.       That I really never brought anybody along to maturity in Christ. I left babes lying nurtureless in their cribs?

7.       That I did most of my life’s work in my own power, rather than the Spirit’s power?

8.       That my pride on earth has cost me dearly in heaven?

9.       That I followed the teachings and traditions of my colleagues, mentors and peers rather than the Bible?

10.   That I have very little to show for all that He did for me?

11.   That I could and should have spent much more time on my relationship with Him, especially in matters of prayer?

12.   That I will have very little in the way of rewards to give back to Him?

13.   That I should have anticipated all these things because I was warned about knowing the terror of the Lord and so, persuading men?

I cast myself on the mercy of my Abba Father Who loves me more than I can imagine, Who is forgiving and patient and nurturing and has counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry. May His strength be mine today as I deal with others on His behalf.  I must rest in Him, draw strength from His vine, and produce fruit as His life-blood flows through me. I want to see Him, but, must I empty-handed go?

If I knew what God knows…

1. There is no way! As the heavens are far above the earth so are His ways above mine. However,

2. I would know when big changes were coming, the day and hour in which the Son of Man will come.

3. I would know the fate of men, good and bad.

4. I would know the glory that will be revealed in us that will overshadow our present sufferings.

5. I would know the destruction that is soon coming on the earth.

6. I would know the half that has not been told or entered into the heart of man of the things which He has prepared for them that love Him.

7. I would know the length, breadth, depth and height of the love that He has toward us.

8. I would know the answer to all the whys that have ever been asked.

9. I would know why good people suffer.

10. I would know all the ways of escape that He provides in times of our temptations.

11. I would know how one drop of the blood of His precious Son is able to wash away the sins of all mankind.

12. I would know to what extent and how many guardian angels watch over me.

13. I would know the mystery of the juxtaposition of God's sovereignty and my free will.

14. I would know just why He would ever love someone like me.

15. I would know the vast amounts of grace, mercy and forgiveness He has poured upon me.

Presently, I do not know any of these things. I am mostly without a clue. Therefore I live by faith in the One Who loved me so much that He gave Himself for me. I trust that He doeth all things well. I accept that I am blessed in that I walk by faith and not by sight. I am continually in awe of the Master and His ability to make sense out of the tapestry of this life that He is unfolding. I trust that He knows best, works all things together for good for them that love Him and are called to serve Him, and orders the steps of those committed to Him.

Living by faith! So much I don't know, but I know the One Who knows it all.