Matthew 13:5-6 “Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: (6) And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.”
Years ago, in an argument with a friend of mine who is agnostic, she quoted to me Karl Marx’s statement “Religion is the opium of the masses.” Although I refuted the statement in its entirety then, I would agree, in part, to the statement now. This is because there is a segment of people that attend church for a “high” or tangible benefit rather than to develop a relationship with God. Whether it be for a melodic and stirring performance by the choir or a sermon that guarantees riches –there are certainly ways to spend time in God’s presence, among His people and witness His power and still walk away with nothing. Sadly, there are still people today who only come to church for the “fishes and loaves.” (John 6:26)
For these few, church is like a drug because it produces a euphoric feeling in them as long as they walk away “feeling” better. Of course, there are many people who come to church to give and not just to get. (Psalms 100:4 “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto him and bless his name.”)
For many of us, the Word of God will fuel our joy in as much as it encourages and inspires us. But having only momentary spurts of joy, which is the lot of the “loaf chasers” falsely testifies to the world that God is a two-bit joy pusher. Jesus said “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may REMAIN in you and that your joy may be FULL.” (John 15:11) In this passage, when Jesus referenced “these things,” He was talking about the complete Word. (II Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”) “Loaf chasers” steer clear of sermons on tithing (II Corinthians 9:6-8), serving (Matthew 9:37), commitment (Revalations 2:10), church attendance (Hebrews 10:25), repentance (I John 1:9), fasting (Psalms 35:13) and praying (II Chronicles 7:14).
Satan is not terribly disturbed if we are excited to be in church — as long as we do not change.
Andrae P. Crismon, Sr. is the pastor of Higher Ground Worship Center in Murfreesboro, TN and the author of “Lord, Keep My Mind Clean: A 31 Day Devotional & Accountability Journal.” He can be reached at highergroundchurch@yahoo.com.
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