God Simplifies, Man Complicates
The relationship between God and man in spiritual matters can be summarized as, God simplifies and man complicates. Satan always conspires against God (John 8:44; 1 Peter 5:8; Matthew 4:1-11) and man is an able accomplice (Romans 3:23).
When we run ahead of God, we’re on our own. In Christianity, this divide is magnified and advancing technologies make it worse. When we go where God doesn’t authorize, we’ve left his protection (Colossians 3:17).
God said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15, NKJV), while men say, “but what about…”
God says, “Preach the Word…” (2 Timothy 4:2), and men preach whatever will sell tickets.
God says, “worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24), while men turn it into a fleshly production.
God says, “sing” (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16), and men say electrify and choreograph.
God says souls (Matthew 16:26), but men say money.
God never intended for things to be as complicated as man has made them. Worship is about simplicity that can be done anywhere and by anyone who wants to glorify God. The Broadway production numbers of our day are far removed from God’s plan (1 Corinthians 4:6).
Jesus built one church that would have one doctrine so we could all focus on one thing (Matthew 16:18-19; Ephesians 4:4-5). He loathes division (1 Corinthians 1:10) because it distracts from the mission.
If we would just humble ourselves, go back to the ancient paths and do what God prescribed in Scripture, we would be a united force to save the world (Matthew 28:18-20). Instead, we squabble and fight while Satan rejoices.
Our disobedience empowers the Devil and disappoints the Lord. Let’s stop making the Church a business. Instead, let’s focus on souls and stop making Satan’s job so easy.
