Competitive Religion
A number of years ago I was employed by a large company that sold just about everything from hardware to dry goods. Another company was also located in the same city and carried the same line of goods. We and they kept in close check with one another because we were competitors and knew that our customers, if dissatisfied, could always go elsewhere to buy their merchandise. Well, it appears to us that a lot of churches have made 'merchandise" of the work of Christ, putting themselves in competition with one another.
Recently a member of the church who was a Mason, began shopping for another place of worship and reported to this writer that he had talked with another preacher and been assured that he could worship where this preacher worked without being embarrassed about the secret order. Whether this is exactly what he was told may be doubted by some, but no one will deny the keen competition that exists all too often among congregations of the Lord's people. The idea prevails with some that if I don't like the elders, the preacher, or some TRUTH for which they stand, I can, without any consideration due my fellows in studying with an open mind and open Bible with them, remove myself to more "comfortable" quarters. My obligation to God and the church runs deeper than this.
Not only does the condition described exist, but that with the approval and encouragement of some church-leaders. We are acquainted with churches that "sponsor" youth activities (recreational), build banquet halls to appeal to the fleshly appetites of men, and massive, unnecessarily expensive, meeting houses because this "commercialized attitude" of which we speak has infiltrated our minds and distorted our thinking. All men do not have "their price", but some do. And with the prospect of gaining numbers and praise of men, they compromise the truth. Since we are usually criticized for strong language, we will let the apostle Paul describe their condition, who make their livelihood in this fashion. "For they that are such serve not our Lord Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and fair speech they beguile the hearts of the innocent." (Romans 16:18.) In the previous verse (17) he said, "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them that are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned: and turn away from them."
One of the greatest tragedies is the endless lowering of standards. Because a church can be found across town that will not condemn dancing, a family that approves dancing goes there. This will demand that other churches, in order to "keep up" will also have to cease preaching against this sin. This can go on and on with drinking, indecent attire, and the whole catalog of sin. The hope for the church is that a remnant will be steadfast, holding forth the word of truth. (See Jude 3).