Show Me the Way

Having been raised in a churched environment, it took some time before I realized the true degree to which society in general is affected by religious institutions.  The current state of affairs with regard to the church and biblical knowledge reflects a great decline from the days of my youth.  Since the fall from grace is continual, there is a danger in overstatement, but our culture has become unchurched in my lifetime.  I seldom make a great distinction between biblical knowledge and church attendance since the two are so closely linked.  Indeed, the Bible says the church is “the pillar and foundation of the truth.”

Today, there is a great mistrust among many with regard to religious organizations.  I have said that people who dislike organized religion will like our church since we’re not that organized.  That is somewhat facetious but largely truthful.  As with many things, we sometimes have to make a distinction between what people have made the church and what Christ can make the church.  When Adam fell, everything fell, and that includes the greatest intentions of the best people.  We ought not throw the baby out with the bathwater because the church bears the message of Christ.

Suffice it to say that the clearly understood message of Christ is disappearing from the collective consciousness.  There is a great need for those who know Jesus to personally explain His sacrifice for the salvation of mankind as a part of God’s amazing plan of redemption to others.  We called this witnessing in a former day.  In the book of Acts, Philip spoke to a man who was reading the Scripture saying, “Do you understand what you are reading?” The man replied, “How can I unless someone explains it to me?” The sad truth is that most people don’t know what they need to know. 

I love to tell the story.  It has been a goal of mine to be a consistent testimony for Christ in word and deed.  I believe this to be the great calling of every Christian.  Sometimes, I fear when I consider my certain judgment by God, but I am also looking forward to that day.  Though I will be saved by the blood of Christ, I know my heart will break when He reviews my sin and selfishness.  At the culmination of the age, I hope to be near enough to hear someone say to Jesus, “I did not know You until he came to my house and showed me the way.”

Sterl

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