Over the years I have heard (and have, in fact, used) two phrases that people who claim belief in Christ use to defend their positions on, and relationships with, the Church. The first is: "I don't like organized religion." The second is: "I can worship God anywhere." With regards to the latter, I usually respond with the question, "But do you?" Hearing these statements, what do you suppose are behind them? Is it our narcissistic culture, lack of belief, plain laziness, or rejection of Christ?
What sayest thou?
I can think of several answers or reasons as to why men often prefer to "worship" God alone without the perceived need for communal or corporate worship.
ReplyDeleteThe first answer is pride. The second is unwillingness to be accountable to others. The third is refusal to be told to do or not to do something by others. The fourth, I believe, would be arrogance. Lastly immaturity.
When you add all these up, you have willful disobedience to our Lord. Behavior like that is often seen in the teen, who says "you can't tell me what to do" and "I will do it my own way by my self", and "I don't need you or your help."
Jesus requires us to submit ourselves fully to Him and to others as members of the corporate body of His Church, not our church. Jesus even assures us that where two or more are gathered there He will be also. He never assures us of being there if we are just one trying to worship him,because this would be contrary to His teachings.
People who stubbornly and obstinately refuse to join in worship with others, are not in communion and cannot be in communion with our Lord.
I think that they feel that they they don't have to account for any sins in their lives, thus they can keep things hidden, if they aren't with others.
I fear that their souls are in as great a peril as the one who completely denies the existence of God.
We may try to cloak this in that veneer of rugged individualism or being an independent American, but peel that thin layer away and all you have is a disobedient sinner refusing to obey God.
If I may add as an aside, I doubt if there are any solitary areas in Heaven, so we better get used to the idea of spending eternity with a bunch of other people. The question is whether it will be in Heaven or Hell.
Dn Russell SSP
St.James Anglican Church
Blackville, SC
stjamesoac@gmail.com
I don't think your last comment was an "aside" as such, as I think it speaks directly to the heart of the matter.
ReplyDeleteYou list five reasons why men respond. I wonder whether perhaps they are all subcatagories of one - pride. They all have the same effect of putting man before God, which will ultimately put them into...an "aside"