Wrong Priorities!
The Bishop summonsed the Diocesan Mission Committee because he had growing concerns over recent National Statistics showing a lowering church involvement. A recent YouGov poll recorded that 46% of adults said they do not have a religion. Only 44% describe themselves as Christians. In 2013 those saying they had no religion were 37%. Even more concerning was the age factor, those under 40 were twice as likely to have no religion as those over 60.
The Diocesan Missioner had some ideas how to halt this slide.
“Firstly we must increase our involvement in supplying peoples' social needs. Food Banks are a great way to supply peoples' physical needs. We all know that the stomach is the way to peoples' hearts. Feed the people and they will then listen to us.
Secondly we need to demonstrate that God is powerful. Why don’t we promote healing campaigns throughout the diocese. When people are impressed by the miraculous they will surely follow.
Thirdly we need political power. Get more Christians into Parliament and hopefully into government and we can then manipulate public opinion. History is full of evidence on how powerful leaders have changed the way a society thinks.”
Members of the committee then engaged in an enthusiastic discussion as to how these ideas might be implemented. At the end of this time the bishop noticed that one member of the committee had said little.
"Have you anything to contribute?' the Bishop asked.
"I am concerned that we might have forgotten something. When Jesus was about to start his ministry he was tempted on three counts. He clearly wanted to be effective, just as we do. You will remember the three temptations he faced.
1. The first was to turn stones into bread. Jesus replied,
"Man shall not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
Might it not be that what people need to hear again from us is the teaching of the Bible about what God thinks of our rejection of him, and how people can be accepted by God if we repent and follow the Lord Jesus?
The second was to throw himself down off the highest point of the temple. Such miraculous signs would surely obtain a following. But Jesus rejected such an action. He was God and it was his Word alone that people must listen to. Jesus said,
"Do not put the Lord your God to the test."
We were told to go into all the world and preach the good news that all can become members of God's Kingdom through becoming followers of the Lord Jesus.
The third temptation was the offer of world-wide political power. All Jesus needed to do was to acknowledge and serve the god of this world; such a small compromise would surely give earthly success. But Jesus rejected this saying,
"Away from me, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only."
If Jesus, when he wanted to draw people into the Kingdom of God rejected such worldly means to establish his kingdom, should we not do the same. Instead should we not encourage our preachers, evangelists and Bible Study to pass on the gospel very clearly indeed, warning people of the tragedy that awakes them if they reject such a great salvation. They must also excite them with the privilege of being permitted to join God's kingdom now and enjoying God's presence in eternity. Surely we must all get off our seats and persuade people about who Jesus really is."
The committee closed in prayer, fervent prayer for all the church members, that they would actively pass on the message of salvation to those around them.
BVP
