“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” - Matthew 7:2-5
I’m getting ready to start a new college Bible study called “What’s Wrong With Christianity in America Today.” The title is a bit of a mouthful, but it is so relevant. I don’t only hear others ask questions like this; I have often asked these questions myself. In a world of declining church attendance, political discord, and economic instability, it can be tempting to ask: “Is the problem us?” Perhaps even more tempting: “Is the problem them?”
Maybe they have bad theology. Maybe they are too political. Maybe they don’t live out their faith, or they have too much money, or they are too judgmental. Conversely, maybe they are too lenient. Or maybe they are people outside the church. It’s so easy to blame anyone and everyone else for the church’s problems. But lines blur; the problem du jour changes depending on who you talk to and what’s on the news at the time. Sometimes Christians entirely disagree on the definition of the problem.
While many of these complaints are probably correct, I’d like to propose we table them, perhaps even indefinitely. For most of us, ‘they’ are not our responsibility (unless we’re a parent looking at our kids or leading a church!). I fear that too often we forget Jesus’ words: “first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Sometimes, we can get so caught up in pointing fingers and spreading blame that we don’t even look to see the problems in our own lives.
My advice? If you catch yourself thinking this way, do your best to slow yourself down. Someone else may be struggling with sin--grievous sin--but first take a good long look at yourself. As Paul encourages, don’t judge people outside the church (1 Cor. 5:12). If you feel that you truly need to say something, analyze your thoughts and your words to make sure that what you say is truly loving. Speak the truth only in love (Eph. 4:15).
Finally, consider your own relationship to God. If you haven’t already, join a ministry team, help out with Sunday school, or resolve to attend a Bible study or worship more regularly. Visit our shut-ins. Donate to one of our food drives or mission teams. If you’re anything like me, there are countless ways to improve your walk of faith. What’s wrong with the church? Well, it’s full of sinners, us included. So let’s strive to run the race, serve our Lord, and love one another as he first loved us and gave himself up for us. Let’s point fellow sinners to the only sinless one. Let’s point all people to the world’s perfect judge. It will not be easy, but it is so worth it.
God’s Blessings,
Pastor Josh Reifsteck