Today's church is adversely impacted by the secular world in many ways, thus believers need to exercise caution to avoid gradually transforming the church of God into the world. The secular world has brought about many changes, of which these ten are examples.
Before: Modesty in attire and conduct reflected reverence and humility.
Now: Fashion trends prioritize self-expression over modesty, influencing church attire and behavior. It's crucial for believers to uphold modesty as an expression of reverence for God.
Before: Worship centered on honoring and glorifying God, led by the Spirit.
Now: Entertainment-driven worship focuses on personal preferences, risking the loss of genuine reverence. Believers must prioritize God-centered worship over entertainment.
Before: Leadership exemplified servant-heartedness and humility.
Now: Corporate leadership models have infiltrated, emphasizing authority and control. Servant leadership, as modeled by Christ, should be upheld
Before: Discipleship emphasized spiritual growth through Scripture and prayer.
Now: Self-help approaches prioritize personal success, sidelining reliance on God's Word. Prioritizing spiritual growth grounded in Scripture is essential.
Before: Evangelism was motivated by love for God and compassion.
Now: Marketing strategies aim to attract crowds, risking the sincerity of the message. Believers should share the gospel with authenticity and sincerity.
Before: Authentic love, care, and accountability marked Christian community.
Now: Superficial connections and social media interactions undermine genuine fellowship. Cultivating authentic relationships is vital within the church.
Before: Attendance was driven by a desire for fellowship and love for God.
Now: Strategies like providing drinks to attract members challenge genuine motivation. Attending out of love for God and fellowship is crucial.
Before: Authentic testimonies drew people to church and retained them.
Now: Catchy programs and worldly attractions risk overshadowing genuine encounters. Sharing authentic testimonies should be prioritized.
Before: Ministers were humble servants focused on shepherding.
Now: Celebrity culture influences ministers to seek fame and influence. Prioritizing humility and servant leadership is imperative.
Before: Trust in God's protection was paramount.
Now: Fear leads to hiring security guards, potentially undermining trust in God. Relying on God's protection should remain central.
Conclusion:
Understanding these ten changes brought about by the secular world will equip believers to uphold the integrity of the church and defend biblical values; unless these influences are subdued through spiritual discernment and adherence to the Word of God. The church might eventually start to reflect the outside world.