There is a good life
Right across the green field
And each generation
Stares at it from afar
But we keep no check
On our appetites
So the green fields turn to brown
Like paper in fire
I have often wondered, what is it that some churches have that keeps their members coming back and giving freely. The answer that I came up with is "they are being fed". I believe that one of the biggest problems with churches today is that they are trying to hard to 'save' their congregation. My thought is that the majority of the congregation has already been saved, they just need the spiritual guidance to make it through the everyday pressures of life. Basically they need to be fed. Is God going to bless a church that is not 'feeding' its followers? Could this be why some churches are hurting for money? Has money become a priority over the Word? And, is the money being spent wisely, or is the green field turning to brown like paper in fire.
Lets think of it as a Bible story. A Shepard is to watch over his flock. If he cannot handle the flock he has, God is not going to allow his flock to grow. Likewise, if he is not feeding his flock, they are likely to roam elsewhere to find the nourishment they are missing. Others will soon follow and be fed in another field. The Shepard's flock will diminish as the green fields turn to brown, like paper in fire.
Paper in fire
Stinkin' up the ashtrays
Paper in fire
Smokin' up the alleyways
Who's to say the way
A man should spend his days
Do you let them smolder
Like paper in fire
I truly believe that you will freely give where you are fed. Christianity is under fire, especially in today's society. Armageddon will not be a war over land or oil, but for the heart and souls of mankind. Now more than ever, we need to be fed with the Word of God. Malnourishment is not an option.
Taking the appropriate steps to get the nourishment I need and refusing to burn like paper in fire is... on this cowboys mind.
(Paper In Fire: John Cougar Mellencamp)
I went to church with my mom a while back and when it came to sermon time all they talked about was getting into our wallets. I was expecting to hear a good sermon, instead I heard a not so good sales pitch. I couldn't agree with you more on this post. Also, I don't see the controversy in posting the truth.
ReplyDeleteGood post Kenny,
Marty
Just be careful of bunker mentality -- that's a church that only looks to feed its members; attend to THEIR needs. If you REALLY want to get fed, start serving. As you empty yourself, God will refill you. Pretty basic equation of supply and demand!
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