Of all the arguments heard about not attending church the title, “Church! No Way! You are all hypocrites!” I think is the one I have heard most at least some form of that statement. A majority of the time, when I hear that excuse, it is merely an attempt to deflect the gospel conversation I am engaged in. But, what is vitally important is to remember and understand there are many who genuinely have this view from personal experiences.
Today, in the western church, I think we are seeing the result of this accusation in the number of people who said they grew up in the church but no longer attend. Likewise, I also believe, we in the church are quick to dismiss this accusation of hypocrisy. Instead of getting the context and understanding we can become quick to think the other individual is only out for an argument or to become divisive. While I agree we should always direct people to Christ Jesus being the head of the church and he is our example. I also know, from Scripture, we are to be the example and represent Christ accurately; as much as we can. Look at the following section from 1 Corinthians 1.
10 Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.
11 For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you.
12 Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.”
13 Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
(1 Corinthians 1:10–13)
Just a few verses before Paul is given such a commendation to the church at Corinth. He description is such, I think a vast majority of churches would like to be spoken of similarly. The immediately Paul starts in his bringing to light all that is occurring and how it is not keeping in step with the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. This loving rebuke/reproof happens throughout until the end of chapter 15. How could such a church, gifted as it was, have such devastating issues? Issues which eventually led to it no longer being in existence.
A question I like to ask believers is this, “if a new Christian or an unbeliever was to come up to you and ask what is Christianity really like; could you answer, ‘Watch me!'”? Here is a short video (Here) by D A Carson that puts this question front and center. Its called, “Watch me!” and it is very to the point of the topic. If you cannot answer a person to watch you when they want to know what Christianity is like – why?
Join with me as we examine this accusation and how we, who are called by the name Christian, can insure it is not a part of the gathering we are a part of.
May God the Father be glorified! May Christ Jesus the Lord be honored and exalted! May you, the believer, be encouraged and exhorted! May you, the non-believer, come to Christ Jesus by repentance and faith…God’s grace through that faith to believe on the Lord Jesus alone for the forgiveness of your sins and eternal peace with God. Grace and peace to all who are in Christ Jesus the Lord.
Shane Sands is the founder and president of United In Christ Jesus, a gospel evangelism ministry which began in 2010. Shane is husband to Holly, his godly wife of ten years (he defiantly married up). They both live in South Carolina at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, along with their ever idiotic cat, Mister Bojangles. Shane has been blessed to travel to numerous countries and states, along with his wife, to preach the glorious gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.