A Famine of Godlessness
There is a plethora of “gods many and lords many” in the land; but, there is dire famine of godliness. There is virtually an edifice in every community that claims to be a house of worship; but, the god’s influences that emanates from them are not felt beyond the block in which they reside. Surely the Christian God who is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent is seldom among those influences; at least not in strength.
But then, that is as it should be. The Christian church is not a geographically located manufacturing facility. The Church is where two or three (or more) gather to invoke (not provoke) the name of its head; Jesus Christ. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). Indeed the third member of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit, lives in temples of flesh not houses of wood and stone.
“[Don’t you Know] that you are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells in you?” – I Corinthians 3:16 If God lives in the Christian what should be the manner of his conversation? “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.” – I Peter 1:15
How can you know this? “I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.” – John 14:161 “The Comforter, which is the Holy [Spirit], whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” – John 14:26
How did this situation come about? We live in a land where those who govern claim “just around the corner prosperity awaits!” What is necessary to drag us around the corner? Simple; “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (II Chronicles 7:14).
This requires those whom God has called to minister to a lost and dying world to humble themselves first and repent sin. “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). Jesus came as an example and teacher. Those who are called to minister should do as He did. Ministers of God must teach by example not pontification. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
The meek who shall inherit the earth are not those that bow and scrape in a false piety; but, that are as the lowly Samaritan who showed mercy to his neighbor (Read Luke 10: 25-37).
“The meek shall inherit the earth;” but, it is as well the “pure in heart” that shall see God.
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