I grew up in the Methodist Church and remember vividly when we became the United Methodist Church. John Wesley challenged the religious assumptions of the time by saying that Methodism was a systematic pursuit of biblical holiness. In 1968, the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren merged. I remember the elders of the local Methodist Church reacting “pessimistically” to the change. Eventually, the dust settled and worship returned to normal.
Our worship services were never lukewarm. I have attended revival meetings many nights with sweat on my brow and the fear of the Lord deeply impressed in my heart. The same was true of Sunday sermons. We never shunned sin with abandon. But that was a long time ago.
Recently, some leaders and members of the United Methodist Church have left the denomination to join the Global Methodist denomination. This has to do with differences in the interpretation of the Bible and other religious texts. The biggest difference is the members’ views on LGBTQ+ issues, i.e., the Bible’s view on human sexuality. It is a question of whether to interpret the Bible literally or figuratively.
Most sermons today focus on being politically correct, a term that describes words or means used to avoid offending or disparaging members of certain groups in society. It is my opinion that if you believe the whole Bible, you cannot be politically correct.
None of us are perfect. But let’s start with the Ten Commandments and look at all the “Things You Must Not Do” that are guidelines for human behavior and relationships. You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make an idol for yourself. This encourages us to focus on the spiritual over the material. You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain.
We are commanded to honor our parents; do not kill intentionally; do not commit adultery; do not steal or bear false witness against our neighbor; do not covet what belongs to others; be content with and thankful for what you have. These commandments still guide our behavior and relationships today across cultures. As a society, we have undoubtedly moved away from most of these commandments.
Hebrews 5:11-14 NIV warns us not to stray from the teachings of Christ: “We have much to say to you about these things, but it is difficult to explain to you, because you are slow to learn. In fact, you ought to be teachers by now, but you need someone to teach you again the basic truths of God’s Word. You need milk, not solid food. For anyone who lives on milk alone is still a baby and does not know the teachings of righteousness. But solid food belongs to adults who are constantly being trained to distinguish between good and evil.”
The author of Hebrews seems to be speaking to us today. We copy aesthetically pleasing memes and cute, intelligent quotes. Rushing to pray replaces “knee time.” Some “preachers” (false teachers) spew words that have no deep, real spiritual value. I once heard one such preacher say, “I don’t know what I’m going to preach until I get to church on Sunday morning.” Perhaps that’s why his sermons were lackluster and talked more about himself than about biblical insights. Preaching God’s word requires preparation, training, and persistence. Those who strive for spiritual health must train themselves to be godly. This requires hard work and dedication.
Are you being fed spiritual junk food in worship? Do you sit contentedly listening to boring, meaningless jargon that has little to do with salvation or God’s grace? I’m ashamed to say that I was guilty of this for almost two years. I thank God for delivering me from that situation.
“Let everyone who is thirsty come to the water and drink. Let him who has no money come, buy and eat. Buy wine and milk without money or price. Why spend money on what is not bread, and labor on what does not satisfy? Listen carefully, listen to me and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in rich food.” Isaiah 55:1-2 NIV.
Of course, food costs money. Food only lasts a short time and only satisfies our physical needs. God gives us free nourishment that feeds our souls. Without this food we would starve spiritually. Listen to the Word of God. Hear it! Buy this spiritual food that will nourish your inner self in ways that no earthly material thing can. Buy it not with money, but with prayer, study, meditation and obedience.
“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were one or the other. Because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spew you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:15-16, NIV.
How refreshed we are when we are filled with the Holy Spirit. Walk away, no, flee, from the false teachers who only give us spiritual junk food. Be thankful for the opportunity to worship the Savior.
Patricia Watson Throckmorton was born in Sampson County and was a longtime resident of the Waycross/Taylor’s Bridge area. She is a retired registered nurse and the author of two books.
