“For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:20

When I look across the Church in America today, I am grieved to the core of my being. I no longer see a church that hungers and thirsts after righteousness. I see a church that hungers and thirsts after wealth and worldly success. I no longer see a church that strives for holiness. I see a church that is self-absorbed and wicked. I no longer see a church that is careful to obey God’s commands, but I see a church that loves the praises of men more than the praises of God. I see a church that has lulled itself to sleep to the tune of seducing spirits and doctrines of demons. Instead of measuring their standard of holiness by the Word of God, it is measured by those around them.

I see within the church people who think they are righteous, but in reality, they are simply religious. They are Pharisees. They bear fruit, but it is shallow and rotten and carries a stench. They are vainly puffed up and carry themselves about with such pomp. They convince innocent people of their vain religion and once they gain their trust, they suck the life out of their victims. The muddied waters of these Pharisees have extinguished those who once had the holy fire burning within them.

These Pharisees do not add to the life of the church, they steal from it. They despise authority and tear others down with the venom of their lips. They sit with crossed arms and scoff at the preaching that should bring them to their knees. They are not at all concerned that their excessive vain talk offends God and brings dishonor to His Holy Name. They come before Him and lift their hands, trying to offer God a tainted sacrifice they think He is obligated to receive.

Charles Finney once said that “unrepentant, rebellious church members should be removed” because “they are a reproach to religion and will hinder revival”. Perhaps that is why we have not seen revival in the American church…it is full of unrepentant, rebellious “Christians”!

Do you not feel shame over the state of the church? Oh Christian, cry out to God and ask Him to deal with the hearts of individuals so that He may once again walk among the aisles of our churches. May we once again, experience the joy of His pleasure as He looks upon His people and sees their hearts of obedience and love.

Copyright 2009  Holly D. Dye all rights reserved.  Material may be copied and shared with others as long as it is done so without charge, in entirety, and if attribution is given.

Tags: american church, God's commands, holiness, pharisee, self absorbed, self righteous