Are We (the Church) too _____________?

At the risk of being “terse”, which I have been told I often am, there is an issue within the “Body of Christ” that must be addressed. The Church today is “all over the map” with regard to theology, dress-code, moral standard, and behavioral expectations. People who should agree and walk in unity are fragmented, and divided on every issue facing society in our lifetime.
 

“Back in the day”, when I was serving the public fast food, there was a common saying: “Opinions are like _______. Everybody has one, and most of them stink.” So, I ask you, “Has the Church become just a collection of stinky opinions?”

To some we are too liberal. To others we are way too conservative. To some the worship is too traditional while others think it's too over the top contemporary. Should we blend all the styles together so that everyone gets a little something, but no one is completely satisfied?

People shop for a church the way they select a new pair of shoes – First this pair then another looking for the illusive perfect fit. Honestly, at times it seems that we are all trapped in some twisted form of a fairytale. “Goldilocks and the Three Pastors” - This one's too hard. This one's too soft. This one's just NOT right.

“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29 (KJV)

It is past time for men and women of God to stand up for the TRUTH, speak it in LOVE and see the Church grow and prosper as we bring our lives into alignment with God's WORD.

“Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Luke 18:10-14 (KJV)

We cannot compare ourselves by our own standard. We must measure ourselves by God's standard. It is only in living by faith that we can please Him. It is only in allowing Christ to make us HOLY that we can be HOLY. Whatever righteousness we claim outside of Him is “filthy rags”, and we become blind men leading each other.

“Let them alone and disregard them; they are blind guides and teachers. And if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a ditch.” Matthew 15:14 (AMP)