The local congregation is made up of the children
of light who light up the world. The local body of believers live
in the darkened world of sin but remain "blameless and harmless,
children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse
generation" (Philippians 2:15). Those who incorporate the
church are literally a beacon of purity in a tarnished culture.
There are two explanations why many congregations
do not live up to the standard of Christ set forth by God. The
first problem in many local congregations is distraction. Satan
has been sly in deceiving Christians. In fact, Satan will use
whatever he can to divert a Christian's attention from spiritual
transformation. In the past, and surely in the present, Satan
has used bickering, buildings, and battles to sidetrack believers.
Stories of congregational division over the color, size, or location
of a building are all too common in the church. During the medieval
times, those claiming to be the people of God spent countless
hours chasing after the Holy Lands and the Holy Grail. These pursuits
were deceiving the people into believing that this was an act
of service to God. The Hebrew writer wisely commands "...
let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares
us ..." (Hebrews 12:1).
Another reason why the children of light do not
shine as brightly as God intends is the problem of diversion.
Satan has used the attractions of this world to infatuate Christians.
Many Christians are too overwhelmed with the pursuit of pleasure,
recreation, sports, and money to spend the necessary time in spiritual
formation. Who has time to pray when there is golf to play? Satan
has fooled the Christians into believing that these pursuits are
as equally valuable as the desire for Christian growth. Christ
plainly rebukes this mindset by saying, "But seek first the
kingdom of God and His righteousness ..." (Matthew 6:33).
A Christian must be on guard against the tactics
of the Devil. Satan sometimes uses subtle methods to inconspicuously
lure man away from his created purpose. The Tempter will do whatever
he can to keep people from being transformed into the children
of light. 304 Hassell St., P.O. Box 33, Waynesboro, TN 38485.
mmorine@hotmail.com