MOST CHRISTIANS ARE POWERLESS by Gary Wilkerson
“Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required” (Luke 12:48, ESV).
Most Christians are powerless. To some readers, this statement will sound bold and to others it will sound obvious. Either way, it is a commentary on the church I would rather not have to make.
Consider what “normal” Christianity in the typical believer looks like today. This person is a bit self-seeking and a little materialistic, and most of his daily choices are about improving his life. That includes his spiritual pursuits, from his church groups to the podcasts he downloads, to the seminars he attends.
There is nothing wrong with any of these things. Our Lord wants our lives to be blessed, but for some Christians these are nothing more than worldly pursuits. They are about self-improvement, not the kingdom of God, and they can drain a believer of true gospel power.
What passes for normal Christianity today must be an outrage to God. It is not only powerless, it is passionless, lacking self-sacrifice. In other words, it is cross-less—and therefore Christ-less. Do not misunderstand. I am all about God’s grace, and I would not lay an undue burden on anyone. But it’s time for the church to take a spiritual inventory to see whether our “spiritual” pursuits are leading us closer to God’s heart or causing us to run in circles.
Let me pose a question. Do you think it would be better for your spiritual health to attend a church that doesn’t preach much gospel, teach much of God’s Word or have much passion for His kingdom? A church where no one really lives out His commands? Or would it be better to attend a church that exalts God’s Word, proclaims the gospel and has a home group for every type of believer?
I would humbly suggest that the second option might be more dangerous to your spiritual health. Why? Because Jesus declares that to whom much is given, much is required. For someone whose life doesn’t match the biblical truth he’s been taught, Judgment Day will be scary.
Most Christians are powerless. To some readers, this statement will sound bold and to others it will sound obvious. Either way, it is a commentary on the church I would rather not have to make.
Consider what “normal” Christianity in the typical believer looks like today. This person is a bit self-seeking and a little materialistic, and most of his daily choices are about improving his life. That includes his spiritual pursuits, from his church groups to the podcasts he downloads, to the seminars he attends.
There is nothing wrong with any of these things. Our Lord wants our lives to be blessed, but for some Christians these are nothing more than worldly pursuits. They are about self-improvement, not the kingdom of God, and they can drain a believer of true gospel power.
What passes for normal Christianity today must be an outrage to God. It is not only powerless, it is passionless, lacking self-sacrifice. In other words, it is cross-less—and therefore Christ-less. Do not misunderstand. I am all about God’s grace, and I would not lay an undue burden on anyone. But it’s time for the church to take a spiritual inventory to see whether our “spiritual” pursuits are leading us closer to God’s heart or causing us to run in circles.
Let me pose a question. Do you think it would be better for your spiritual health to attend a church that doesn’t preach much gospel, teach much of God’s Word or have much passion for His kingdom? A church where no one really lives out His commands? Or would it be better to attend a church that exalts God’s Word, proclaims the gospel and has a home group for every type of believer?
I would humbly suggest that the second option might be more dangerous to your spiritual health. Why? Because Jesus declares that to whom much is given, much is required. For someone whose life doesn’t match the biblical truth he’s been taught, Judgment Day will be scary.