In the mid ‘80s, while attending seminary, I was asked to speak to the board of a local church. Leading up to the engagement I prayed God would give me the right words to say. I arrived for the meeting, only to wait until someone got there. Slowly the board members wandered in. They asked me to have a seat in the back of the room while they got through “church business” first. After more than an hour of listening to what needed to be painted and which sprinkler systems would be the best to purchase for the church, I was asked to “tell them my story” in the remaining time available. It took a couple minutes, but soon I felt the Holy Spirit was speaking in His normal enthusiastic tone. Upon conclusion, empty stares faced me and there seemed little motivation to follow up on the ministry concepts I had presented. I received half smiles, limp handshakes, and a “don’t call us, we’ll call you” goodbye. I cannot remember being more enthusiastic or prepared, yet receiving less response.
As I got into my car and drove away, I could not help but wonder if this was what it was like in the Church at Laodicea. Like Laodicea, these board members displayed no passion for the cause of Christ and seemed totally oblivious of their commission to be the light and salt of the local community. Their financial affluence kept them from seeing their spiritual poverty. Their religiousness and focus on the church facilities occupied a greater prominence than spiritual outreach and maturity. They showed an interest in spiritual things, but there is no evidence that they were “touched” by the gospel.
The church at Laodicea illustrates an indifference to Christ and spiritual things. It’s bad enough to not like, despise, or be openly opposed to someone, but to be completely indifferent is worse. Because of that he considered them obnoxious and wanted to “spew them out.” How can anyone be apathetic when Christ has done so much? How can anyone neglect the salvation he provided us and still continue to sit in a church pew on Sunday? Unfortunately this condition is as predominate today, as it was in Laodicea. In our society 85% claim to be Christians but, most base that belief on their membership in a church or that they were raised in a Christian home.
The reality is that not making a decision is indeed, making a decision. You’ve heard the saying: “If you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything.” Christ was telling us to make decisions, draw the line, and stand on what we believe. Only then will you find the peace you are looking for. Gentlemen and ladies, I’ve told you many times that I will not make your decisions for you because you must live with the consequences, not me. Whether you believe it or not, you cannot be neutral on the majority of things in life. Choose your sides openly, knowing there are consequences either way. Just make sure you get long term benefits rather than short term!
Love,
Dad