WHAT IF?

Last month two of my friends and preaching colleagues, Mark Roberts and Wilson Adams posted “What If” thoughts.

As far as I know they were independent thoughts written by each one without any collaboration or retort to each other. Each shares a perspective that is worthy of our thought, meditation, and appropriate application.

Mark wrote, “I’ve been thinking a lot about how we talk about the church.

Here’s something to consider…

What if we …

* Were hopeful about the future of congregations instead of acting like most churches are failing?

* Called out the good – the churches that are growing (spiritually and numerically), where the prodigals know they can come home (so they do), and thirsty women seeking living water find it?

* Were optimistic about what is going on instead of disheartening people by calling as much attention as possible to problems?

* Assumed the best of our brethren instead of spreading a steady stream of negativity?

* Could be real and admitted we don’t really know what’s happening in most churches—there are hundreds across the country, and we’ve only visited a handful—so broad criticisms aren’t fair or kind?

* Recognized the many churches where First Days are victory-revived as worship follows the New Testament pattern, glorifies God, and edifies the saints?

* Commended the hard-working preachers among us who connect the dots between truth-facts and life-application … sermons that accomplish a lot because they are based in scripture, not the latest evangelical best-seller, and speak to disciples’ lives today?

* Didn’t act like the small minority represent the majority?

* Spoke up for those who defend the truth rather than accommodate error, who respect Bible authority and refuse to compromise with institutionalism, and who preach biblical grace instead of Calvinism? What if, instead of labeling them “legalists” and “Pharisees,” we encouraged them?

* Tried to be balanced and fair—noting the good while still working to improve where needed?

It’s easy to criticize and complain. Ten men did that in Numbers 13. A lot of people “shared it” and “liked it” but God’s people suffered for it. What if we chose a better way? God is doing so much good among us. What if we opened our eyes and thanked Him for it?

Wilson posted, “What if churches became people-places where…”

• …everyone is safe, but no one is comfortable (BIG difference)?

• …we could be one-another-real and not phony pretend (creating the core of sanctuary)?

• …we found both accountability and compassion because we actually started caring (really caring about each other)?

• …we found mercy-culture instead of cancel-culture? Not winking at wrong, but showing patience toward those who are weak and works in progress (aren’t we all works in progress)?

• …truth is spoken in love, we do more than box check, and where we worship in spirit and truth (with Jesus being at the center of it all)?

• …thirsty women are welcomed to the well of living water, Bethesda beggars find hope, and prodigals can come home (isn’t that what’s it’s supposed to be)?

• …we walk away on First Days in faith victory -revived because we found the purpose for our every-days in Him (to God be the glory!)?

• …sermons/lessons connect the dots between truth-facts and life-application (if lessons aren’t practical, what has been accomplished)?

• …shepherds smell like sheep and sheep smell like the Good Shepherd because we follow Him to green pastures, beside still waters, and through valleys of life shadows while pressing on to higher ground (the ultimate goal of all believers)?

It’s easy to play church. Do this, do that, check this, check that, what’s for lunch, etc. God wants more. He wants our heart equal with our obedience. It’s not either/or. What if…

What If we could read both Mark’s and Wilson’s posts without any critique or criticism?

What if we could consider these thoughts as sincere exhortations without any accusation of a hidden agenda or ulterior motive?

What if we could simply receive each at face value and make a personal application as needed to our personal lives and our church families?

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman