Faith, or False Fire

Recently a young Christian asked me about a certain song that he enjoyed. He asked if it was appropriate to include in a church service. I was unfamiliar with the song and decided to do a search online to see whether it was something that could be helpful. I found a video on YouTube of the song in question being performed. The song was fairly typical of what I expected from the contemporary style of Christian music.

As I watched the video I began to notice less and less of the song, and more and more of the situation of its performance. I saw that those who were in attendance at that concert were a large multitude. I would venture to guess that there were quite likely tens of thousands of people. As I watched this vast host they sang along with the song, and many seemed to have a great deal of enthusiasm. In their excitement many were jumping and waving their arms; all were on their feet.

I looked at this mass of people with their voices and bodies shouting of the power and passion of our God. I began to think of the power of influence such a group of people could have for Christ if their passion for God was expressed in actions. I have no desire to decipher their motives or judge their hearts. As a man I only look on the outward appearance, while the Lord looks on their hearts. But if I had even a thousand Christians who had absolutely, unreservedly sold themselves as bondslaves to Christ, I could not begin to imagine what might be done. Why is it that so many people in our churches today manage so much enthusiasm in church while we live day-to-day in such spiritual barrenness? How is it that we as Christians can justify receiving God’s blessings when we do so little with them? Do we have a real relationship or are we just trying to “fake it until we make it?” If we are going to talk it, we should walk it! If we are going to sing it, we should bring it! If we are going to say it, we should pay it! Talk is cheap, and faith without works is dead. My heart is greatly burdened by the full mouths and empty lives I so often see. Are we living in faith expressed in action, or is it just false fire that we have laid on the altar instead?

Pastor Paul Gibbesh