Do you know what is worrisome about churches in the present time? It is too much money. Prosperity theology seems to be catching up alongside the outsourcing business model in churches around the world. The proposition, "give handsomely to the church and God will reward you manifold," seems to be catching on. Someone will take care of matters of spirituality; just give them more than enough resources, is the line of thinking. Why bother about tricky Christian doctrine? That is for the priests and the like to deal with, they say.
I must admit that all my attempts to engage members of Christ Church, Noida in a discussion on the subject, on social media, met with failure. If you have read the early history of Christ Church, Noida in the History Book, as it is known now, you would have learnt of the struggle the pioneers went through in those days, with little or no money. Contrast that with the account statement on display in church, and you will perhaps see where I am heading. Also, just look around the church and see for yourself all the modern conveniences acquired. And then look inward, and see whether there has been proportionate spiritual growth from where you started.
You have a right to tell me that all we possess is God's abundant blessing on us, so stop cribbing. It is the abundant blessing of God that is bothering me. Just as we give birthday or wedding gifts with a message attached to them, God also has blessed us with a message attached. Have we failed to read it? Have we thrown it out along with the wrappings?
He is giving to us so that we can give in turn. He would want us to reach out to the world, if not personally, then by equipping and empowering people who are ready to serve God in His mission fields. He wants us to open our eyes, look outward, and see the misery of people whom we can help. When we do not spend, and continue only to encourage people to give more cheerfully, I see the danger ahead. I am not a doomsday prophet. I take off my accountant's hat and look at matters through the prism of the Holy Bible, and that is when I see matters differently.
What comes to my mind is the conversation between Jesus and His disciples as they looked at the magnificent Temple. I quote the passage, and leave it to you to decide what you wish to make of it:
"And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down." (Mark 13:1-2)
That was the first prophecy of Jesus to be fulfilled before the turn of the century.
Time for us to wake up.
Anand Peter