It is not my intent to insult or offend anyone, but, I do not want you to deceive yourself. Paul said, “Live in such a way as to cause no trouble either to Jews or Gentiles or to the church of God” (1 Corinthians 10:32, GNT). Not causing trouble does not mean to not do the work. You can choose to sit on the fence, look over the horizon, and wish the work complete. Wake up, this thinking is naïve. These lethargic positions will not get you where you need to be in God’s will. God gave humans a mission to care for each other and exercise dominion over the earth.
The God I serve will not force you to do the work. We are free to choose. In the Book of Joshua, we read: “If you think it's the wrong thing for you to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves today whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15, ISV). However, when you choose, be sure you have all the facts. It is a dangerous situation to hold a gun that is half-cocked. With just a tiny motion from the finger the gun could change the course of your life and many others.
There are many circumstances that can cause life-changing situations, some controllable and some not. Idle words and godless conversations can cause people to turn away from God. Arrogance and pride can cause people to lean to their own understanding. Puffed up knowledge and wisdom of this world can cause people to not faithfully read or study God’s Word. Do not take offense. You know some charges brought against the church. “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches” (Revelation 3:22, NLT).
Some churches have left their first love. The zeal that was once obvious is now hidden or guarded. Some churches have blasphemers, people who say they love the Lord, but their actions say otherwise. Some churches are home to those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, compromising their principles and putting stumbling blocks in the path of other seekers. Some churches allow Jezebels to call themselves prophetess and teach and seduce God’s servants to commit immoral acts. Some churches have a reputation of being alive but are dead; they are not watchful and are not strengthening the people in their flock with solid teaching. Some churches are neither cold nor hot. They are blind and unaware of their wretchedness.
To the one who understands and has an ear to hear what the Spirit says to the churches; take no offense but strive for peace and mutual upbuilding with everyone, for the kingdom of God is righteousness and peace. Believe me when I tell you, “It is a good thing not to eat meat, or drink wine, or do anything that makes your brother or sister stumble” (Romans 14:21, CEV).
Minister Nettie Pennington, Associate Minister, Springfield MB Church
