Perhaps one of the greatest reasons for a lack of faith …is because of our lack of God?
Have you noticed in the Church or in Christian groups, there can be an emphasis on character, or, “what we (or especially *those poor mortals out there*) are doing wrong”, or, “how we need to do better”?
Sermons or talks may seem to preach an underlying message, “you aren’t doing good enough, do better.”
Perhaps it’s true, perhaps not.
But notice the subject: us.
Of course we may tread water with that focus. Fallen human beings still have all their weaknesses on display, just like they did years ago, and as “thinking over our failures” may not produce strong enough fruit, perhaps we need to reconsider our approach.
What about man and His Maker?
What about a face to face relationship for every individual being?
What then? I’m quite certain we would see miracles.
The fallen state of ourselves is a much different image to dwell over than the image of God.
And one can produce a much different reaction than the other.
(Try it–if you have doubts.) :)
There’s a reason God encourages us to focus on Jesus in Hebrews 12. There’s a reason that the Psalmists were so often speaking about who God is.
There’s POWER THERE.
Transformative power. (See 2 Corinthians 3:16-18)
You know what I wish for the Church? I wish more pastors talked about God. I’m hungry for it. Let me come to your building on a crisp autumn Sunday morning and soak in the BEAUTY of God Himself. Tell me His stories, how He moved through a horrible and difficult situation for the saving of many lives (Esther), how He used just one man doing something crazy to renew the face of the earth (Noah), tell me the story of Him empowering a reluctant servant to break the stubbornness of a wealthy ruler (Moses).
Tell me about the God of the Universe!!!!!! The One Who looks upon me every day with a heart full of love and passion. Who delights to see me seeking Him and longs to hear my voice call His name in reverence. Tell me about the God who designed intricate leaves that balances drops of dew like jewels upon one’s hand, who gave the horse his strength and glossy coat and filled the robin’s heart with song.
Tell me about the God who loved me before I loved Him and wants to walk day by day beside me through every trial I face. Bring me closer to His heart so that my longing grows for the sweetness of His voice and the power of His presence.
I already know I’m weak, fall short of His perfection and have much holiness to grow within. But tell me of God–draw me to Him and His presence–this will be the power which transforms me from glory to glory in ways I could never transform myself.
Those problems you’ve seen so many times in the Church? If everyone sought God wholeheartedly in an individual relationship with Him through His Word and prayer with a humble, open heart and eager desire to know God …you’d see the church come alive in ways it may never have when preaching sermons about character growth, better choices and “helpful guidelines”.
God Himself is the One who does the genuine changing.
Why not let Him do it?
