Consumer Religion

During the latter part of a recent evening church service I was enthusiastic as the pastor encouraged the people to press into worship in order to bring a substantial anointing upon the assembled group. I happened to be standing on the right side of the sanctuary and had good visibility of the congregation. I was astonished that the people did not respond to the pastor and seemed to have no clue what to do! A few moments later the pastor said, "You guys aren't ready for this!" And the promise of a wonderful anointing vanished.

I pondered about this for a few days afterward and I think the Holy Spirit gave me understanding as to what was - and continues - happening in our day. Romans 6:2a says, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind...." The word "world" is usually rendered "age" in modern translations and it is consistent with the original to use the word "culture." The truth is that we Christians are more conformed to this culture than we would like to admit. Proof? Television!

Our present culture has been trained, primarily by television, that we can have any experience we want, at our convenience, by calling it up on our modern media devices. Not only have we become "couch potatoes" but we have unwittingly become willing consumers to a vast array of vendors. And, unfortunately, we have also become "consumers of religion." The idea of actively participating in a shared experience of worship has somehow gotten lost. The platform has become the stage and the people on it have become the performers. The congregation has become the audience and when beckoned to participate look at you like you are crazy. With many, if they don't like the show, they can just "change the channel" and go somewhere else where no one makes any demands of them and the "performance" is more to their liking.

What separates us from any other group of people on the face of the earth is the tangible presence of God. We have become the Baptist Church - with an orchestra. We are to be "the people of His presence" and so many of God's people are seemingly unaware. "What channel is THAT on?" I weep for the Full-Gospel!