We Are Not Called To Conform To This World

Recently, I have been corresponding with a few fellow Christian’s to include here on Christian Forums who have stated that they have had enough of trying to fit in with other’s who claim to be Christians in modern “church” venues and yet do most everything in a way that conforms to this world. They both have said they were stepping away from this practice and that they would never go back to “church” again. Not finding true fellowship and not growing spiritually were the primary reasons. In each case, the decision had been made to stay at home to read the bible and pray on their own. This is more common than you know for true Christians who try to seek out fellowship and growth in today’s “Christian Religion” that is practiced in most local churches around the world. Yet, we who are true Christians need to understand choosing to stay home is not the answer. I know this to be true as I was once there in my own spiritual life having been frustrated to the same point of despair as mentioned above.

However, this is not what Jesus taught us to do, but instead He taught us that fellowship (true fellowship) is essential for our growth and strength while here in this world. It should come as no surprise that we have fellow citizens of the kingdom of heaven all around us. We can find them in stores, on the street, in airports, in our neighborhoods, and yes, you can even find them in the many so-called local churches around the world. However, connecting with or finding other true believers can be challenging. This is where we, by faith, should seek the Lord’s help, as He is faithful to provide all our needs. Our needs includes fellowship with others who are in the Body of Christ, the true Church. Once becoming citizens of heaven through spiritual rebirth, we should quickly discover that we are strangers in a world that we once belonged to in our former lives. As strangers, we will not only be misunderstood, but also in many cases rejected by others who remain spiritually dead. Therefore, we need to find fellowship with others who are part of our world, the kingdom of heaven. Jesus said, ““The kingdom of God will not come with observable signs. Nor will people say, ‘Look, here it is,’ or ‘There it is.’ For you see, the kingdom of God is in your midst” (Luke 17:20-21). Jesus knows who our true brothers and sisters are and if we ask Him to connect us, He will, in His time and in His own way.

Regrettably, today’s modern “church” system is a beautiful depiction of a worldly organization with the label “Christian” on it. The only difference in most cases is that they place the brand “Christian” on it, which is somehow or another supposed to make it different. You can find this in the music, the messages, organizational structure (just yesterday, I saw a product advertised called “Church Management Software”), their traditional approach to so-called worship (three or more songs, announcements, the collection, the message, closing thoughts, and the ending song – where is that in the scriptures?), and so on. This is not the “Church!” This is man’s religion packaged with a “Christian” label! For me to hear someone say they are never going back to “church” deeply saddens me because today’s so-called churches only offer a partial glimpse (if any at all) as to what the Church really is. We were not called to a life that conforms to the norms of this world; we are called to repent from our lives in this world to be transformed into citizens of the kingdom of heaven!

Jesus taught us to live a simple life serving the kingdom of heaven, not some institution here on earth, and not our own desires. We are to simply LOVE God and LOVE those in this world (everybody) sharing with them the Gospel that offers hope and eternal salvation. “Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:37-40). “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20). Amen!
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