The Fight Is Against The Devil (Not Your Neighbor)

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" 

                                                                                                              (Eph 6:10-18 KJV)

The lockdowns around the country this past year put a curtail on a lot of Christian gatherings whether for worship or for fellowship. There were many congregations who refused to shut down their worship services. There were also many who completely closed there doors; some opting to do virtual worship on the world wide web. This had it advantages as it reached many people who were not attending worship prior to the lockdowns. It also had many disadvantages. 

As congregations are attempting to get back to worship and fellowship as it was prior to March of 2020 many are finding that the devil had his way in separating us from one another and even turning us away from God to focus on lesser things. These lesser things for some congregations sadly are about numbers. When someone gets out of the weekly habit of worshiping it is not so easy to get back into the habit of regularly gathering for worship and fellowship.  Attendance goes down and consequently so do the offerings. When finances are hit divisiveness often follows. It's got to be someone's fault; must be the pastor's! Could be that person in the back pew that offended your neighbor. Who knows. Lots of excuses and finger pointing arise when the budget isn't being met.

In the pursuit of raising those numbers the word can end up being compromised in order to appease the itching ears and bring back the numbers. When we focus on entertaining people in order to bring back the attendance and offerings we tend to lose the focus on what worship is about. It is about worshiping God and about hearing His word. It is not about making the congregation feel good about themselves. It is, of course, a relief to know that God has forgiven our sins and made us to be His children by faith in our reconciliation to Him through the Good News of Jesus the Christ.  The faith that we have that we have been saved is found solely in the work of the Christ for us. It has nothing to do with any decisions we have made or any good things we have done. We cannot earn our salvation; therefore, worship is about worshiping the one who earned it for us. It is not to enflame the egos of the congregation. It is not to please "itching ears!"

These are all tricks of the devil to diminish our faith. This is not the time to point fingers or blame others for the state of your congregation rather stand firm against the wiles of the devil.  Do not attack your brother of sister in Christ. If you're going to point fingers then point them at the devil and stand firm, wearing the  whole armour of God:  gird your loins with truth, put on the breastplate of righteousness; shod your feet with the gospel of peace; take the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God and pray... As a warrior for Christ put on the armour of God and pray; pray in Jesus' name that the devil depart and leave you, your loved ones, and your congregation alone. Defeat the wiles of the devil. Attacking your brothers or sisters in Christ only empowers the devil and his minions. He is smiling as he undermines your commitment to sharing the Gospel of peace in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

God's Peace - Pr. J.