Since the industrial revolution, societies have experienced a convenience explosion. Every invention from the automobile to the remote control has been designed to bring the ere of convenience to our lives. To illustrate the depths of the convenience syndrome, examine the invention of the remote control which in-turn gave birth to the couch potato. The modern couch potato will travel high and low looking for the remote instead of going to the actual television. And it cannot be just any remote control it must be THE remote control.
The Tim the Tool Man, Binford 4000, Multi-function, 14 in-one remote that powers any electronic device within a mile radius. With all the emphasis on convenience, even churches have fallen prey to the incipit convenience syndrome. In my hometown, Daytona Beach, Florida there is a drive-thu church. Anyone can attend services in their bathing suite, stay in the car like a drive-in movie theatre, do the “church thing” and then drive one block and be on the beach. This is an extreme example of how the convenience syndrome has made its way into the church. To some, church isn’t church if the air isn’t cold, the pews soft, the music their own, and the message gives warm fuzzies. This kind of “have it your way” Christianity is extremely palatable and convenient.
Unfortunately it is unbiblical. Who ever said the Christian life was to be convenient? All over the world today believers who are loved by God as much as he loves us are suffering for His sake. Let us bless the Lord for the resources, and conveniences he has provided. But may we never let an expectation of convenience lead to a complacent walk with Christ. May we glory only in Christ and him crucified, his suffering for our sake wasn’t convenient and far be it from us to endure a Christian life without hardship, inconvenience and suffering. To do so is to be likened unto Christ.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.