Consistency Is The Key
How easy it is to say one thing and do another. We are all guilty of this at one time or another and should definitely be concerned about it. We wear the mask of a hypocrite and try to soothe our souls by making excuses for our inconsisencies. This is true personally and corporately (within our churches). How many of us talk about Bible study and prayer to our congregation and then struggle with it ourselves. We preach the principle of forgiving others but may hold grudges against those who hurt us. While I could continue the list, let's look at it from a church standpoint. How many churches say they love people but will not even let a guest sit in "their" pew. Members of most churches say they want an active outreach program...as long as someone else does it. Many of our churches (ABA) criticize other groups but fail to see our own shortcomings. Do you get the picture? If you talk the talk, then you better walk the walk, or you risk being called a HYPOCRITE (which you truly are). I pray that you and your church may have a consistent life of service, and remember - practice what you preach!
P.S. Is it worse to be all evangelistic with no discipleship, or to be all about discipleship with no evangelism?
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Come, brethren, ye who love the Lord
1 hour ago
3 comments:
I think your question is a false dichotomy. Each concept cannot contribute to any healthy congregation without the other. There is no better or worse. One without the other is always worse.
You're right... we are all hipcrites, despite our best efforts. That's exactly why the Cross and grace are necessary, thankfully.
Good post.
Stephanie,
Exactly my thoughts on the question. They are intertwined and both are necessary. Neither outweighs the other, yet one without the other is detrimental to any church (or person!). We must keep a proper balance between our evangelism and discipleship efforts, however, this is not always easy.
Do as I say and not as I do! Ha, seriously... Great blog!
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