“If America is to have any hope for the future, the men of the church need to humble themselves and return to their ‘first love.’”
The Christian classic, The Pilgrim’s Progress, written by John Bunyan in 1678, is an allegory that influenced more writers than any other work except the Bible. In the “dream,” “Christian,” the main character, tries to find deliverance from the burden of his sin by traveling to the “Celestial City” (Heaven). In this allegory, Christian faces temptations, trials, and struggles, but he eventually makes it to the Celestial City.
Christian men still face trials and temptations in this life. Taking shortcuts in the Christian life is tempting, but to do so weakens the power of the Gospel in our lives and in our testimony before others. Maybe we need to remember our roots and where we lost our way. In his words to the church in Ephesus, Jesus was very clear:
“But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.” (Revelation 2:4-5a, ESV)
In today’s warped culture, many become their own gods and decide what is right or wrong, good or bad. How’s that working out? Being a senior citizen, I have observed the rapid deterioration of the people for over 70 years, 50 of those as a follower of Jesus Christ. Our moral compass is broken. And as a believer, I hold myself and the church responsible for much (not all) of the moral decline. If I’m not part of the solution, I’m part of the problem.
Jesus established His church over 2,000 years ago, commanding us to make disciples of all nations. He commanded us to be “salt and light” (Matthew 5:13-16). Salt seasons and preserves; light shows the way. Much of the church today has retreated from the cultural battlefield, preferring the safety of their buildings (forts). Abandoning the cultural battlefield has brought about a lack of biblical values.
In a desire to be “relevant,” many men in the church have allowed themselves to be influenced by the culture rather than shaping it. Many of the current beliefs of the church differ little from the outside world. We are not called to be relevant but to repent! The men of the church once held a position of influence, giving direction to the country. There are still many good men who follow the Scriptures and want to influence the culture and win disciples, but they are vastly outnumbered.
Christian author Eric Metaxas wrote the book Letter to the American Church, wherein he compared the church in America to the church in Germany when Adolph Hitler rose to power. Few churches had the courage to stand against the rising tide of Nazism. How many lives might have been saved if more German churches had the courage of men like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, one of the few German pastors who spoke up? He became a martyr, refusing to deny his Savior.
A study by George Barna, director of the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, revealed that only 6% of Christians in America have a biblical worldview. That explains why so many lack the discernment to know truth from error. The study also revealed that for years we believed 40% of Americans claimed to be evangelical Christians. But when applying the theological criteria for what makes someone an “evangelical,” only 10% meet the standard.
Are we losing ground in battle? Actually, no – we’re retreating more each year.
If we are to have any hope for the future, the men of the church need to humble themselves and return to our “first love.” God will do the rest.
What say you, Man of Valor.
Adapted from Men of Honor essay by Roger Helle, 14 October 2024.