Change! Yes, You Can!

In the forward to the the book "Total Church" Ian Coffey wrote these convicting words,

"As uncomfortable as it may sound, people form their views about Jesus by looking at those who wear his name as a badge. Hiding behind the defense 'Don't look at us--look at Jesus' just won't wash. Truth be told, judging by church attendance statistics in the United Kingdom, for example, they are looking at us, then choosing not to bother with Jesus."

Why is the church in America not making a bigger impact on our country and in the world? Why are attendance, giving, and conversions all down in American Christianity? What impressions do people arrive at about Jesus by watching me? Why do we expect others to consider Christ relative in their lives when he doesn't seem to be in our own lives? Why do we expect others to treasure Jesus above all things when our materialistic appetite is just as great as theirs? Why are most Christian conversions happening outside of America and why are those converts looking at American Christianity with disgust?

The biggest change needed in America today is not political, economical, or foreign affairs. The need of the hour is that the church change. The church needs to challenge those who profess the name of Christ to live a life worthy of that calling. The church needs to confront those who profess the name of Christ and constantly live in a way that degrades Christ and the church. And the church needs to celebrate with those who do live Christ glorifying lives. The church needs to disciple, discipline, and be devoted.

This hour of our existence screams for Christians to be salt and light and to do good works so that men may glorify the Father. May God grant us the grace to be the means of a soul becoming thirsty for Jesus. May God grant us the grace to shed the light on the dark path that points people to Christ. And may God grant us the grace to love Christ and love each other in such a way that only God can possibly get glory from it.

I pray God will raise up God fearing and God glorifying men who will lead their churches toward much needed change. And for sheep to follow their God appointed shepherds even in change!