Filled With Emptiness

I recently heard the story of a decision made at one congregation of the Lord’s church. The elders at this congregation of about two hundred made the decision that they wanted to grow. They desired to “fill the building” and crafted a plan to do just that. The elders of this congregation sent out a survey to each member of the flock. The question on the survey was simply, “What do you want from your church?” 

The submitted answers touched on a wide array of topics. Many members said they would like to have more modern music to replace the tired old hymns. Several commented on how they would like the church to stop asking for their money. Some responded in favor of shorter worship services or more convenient meeting times. A few wrote in specific topics that they did not want to hear addressed from the pulpit. 

Dedicated to the idea of growing numerically, at any cost, the elders chose to implement all the ideas from the survey. What was the result? The congregation grew in number. The new worship services were lively and fun. The new sermons were simple, sweet, and never made you feel uncomfortable. It wasn’t long before a larger meeting place was constructed, complete with a new name. More and more people came to experience a church atmosphere free from obligation. What was once a 200-member church of Christ turned into a 2000-member social club. 

Many congregations are making similar mistakes. We want to grow in number, but that desire must be tempered by a love for God’s Word. Our heart is in the wrong place if we are willing to compromise the truth to gain greater acceptance or participation. Too often we fear coming across as intolerant. We need to realize it is not unloving or offensive to repeat the words of God. In fact, it is essential that we do just that! Growth in size means nothing if the truth is lost. God would much rather have a few honest worshippers than a crowd of partiers. 

Remember that we cannot “chart our own course” spiritually. God has already determined right and wrong and revealed that knowledge to us. “It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12). 

Faithful Christianity is about pleasing God, not pleasing men (Acts 4:19; 5:29; Galatians 1:10). In the style of John F. Kennedy’s famous quotation: ask not what the Lord’s church can do for you – ask what you can do for the Lord’s church. We must never corrupt ourselves and our mission by watering down the truth, catering to physical desires, or scratching itching ears (2 Peter 2:17-18; 2 Timothy 4:3). That style of religion will never be pleasing to God. It is vain worship (Matthew 15:8-9), filled with emptiness.