Our world has more and more information, but less and less wisdom. More data; less clarity. More stimulation; less synthesis. More distraction; less stillness. More pontificating; less pondering. More opinion; less research. More speaking; less listening. More to look at; less to see. More amusements; less joy. We have more, but we have become less.
It is true that churches today have the best and the brightest in terms of worship packages and performing arts ministries that are supposed to enhance our effectiveness and efficiency in our worship of the Lord. But are we getting "our money's worth" and is it really "worship" according to the Bible? We have created and generated multiple paradigms and programs produced on a variety of platforms from dot matrix to digital, designed to provide discipleship and mentorship, or to just help Christians grow up in the faith. But surveys and polls seem to indicate that American Christians are about as ignorant of the Bible, Theology, and Christian virtues as the average American is about America's history. We have more conferences and resources with titles such as: "Leadership of the Church," "The Need for the B.H.A.G. (Big Hairy Audacious Goal)" or "The Vectors of Vital Vision," "The Essential Essence of our Existence," or "The Documents to Discover our Determinative Church DNA." The "for-profit" service industry for Christian "non-profits" is ready to produce analysis and provide capital campaign programs to raise a million dollars at the cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Don't get me wrong. None of these resources are "in and of themselves" wicked or wrong to use. Experts with expertise can be essential. But is it possible that, as Oscar Wilde acidly and perhaps accurately said, "We know the price of everything and the value of nothing." We must never confuse activity with achievement. Make no mistake, the activity of the Christian dancing bears and the jugglers for Jesus can be entertaining to watch, but are they effective in producing empowered Christians who are ready and willing to engage the culture for the cause of Christ?
Serving Him with you
Until He comes for us, Fred | 