No Comparison

 A number of weeks ago, I was loading YouTube on the flat screen (I forgot what I was going to watch), but before the clip started, an ad started playing. It turns out, it was the promotional video for the Church of Scientology. Something inside of me said, watch this (rather than taking advantage of the "skip ad" button). For the next 8 or 10 minutes, I sat, as they talked about what they are accomplishing in spreading the message of their religion.

On the surface, it's hard to deny, it's impressive. The organizational set-up, the distribution of materials, the building programs, the community of people... of course, there is no mention anywhere of the person of Jesus Christ; so to watch the level of their effectiveness and efficient for something other than the Gospel of Christ was disconcerting at the very least.

Now, of the past couple of weeks, A&E has aired Leah Remini's documentary on what really happens behind the facade. I finally got to watch the first two episodes, back to back, as they played them again. (The third one airs the night of 12/13). The stories and the lives that have been affected are utterly incredible. Families torn apart and lives utterly destroyed from the tactics of those who rise up against them.

I simply couldn't fathom... to acheive such a level of effectiveness that ultimately destroys people, while professing to make them better and save the planet.

Meanwhile, the church of Jesus Christ, faces many battles. Really, too numerous to start listing them. Ultimately, though, it's God who works in the hearts and lives of people as He reveals Himself and makes Himself known. It's not an organization who uses people to spread the message of man, but the Spirit of God who compels us to share the message of saving grace of Jesus Christ. We do not seek to ruin those who don't come to the place of confessing Christ is Lord and Savior, but pray God's will be accomplished in their lives as He desires that none should end find themselves in eternity without the presence of Jesus Christ.

Pray, this #effectiveSunday, that God's anointing would rest upon the church; that He would  go before us and prepare hearts to hear the message of Christ. May we not rest on the laurels of what we have achieved, but on what God by His sovereign Hand has worked and moved on our behalf as we pray His will be accomplished here on Earth. Though tempting, may we not compare our efforts and accomplishments to what other churches and religions may achieve, but focus on God; that we may be found faithful and obedient to the purpose and plans He has called us to not in pursuit of one man's thinking, but God's divine desire to commune with His Creation... an opportunity made available, because He loved the World enough to send Christ as payment for our sins.

Faithful to the cause of Jesus Christ
For it is the power of salvation,
That we have relationship with Almighty God
Not because of who we are,
But who He is.
For His glory and honor, we pray.

​- PNC