It’s not uncommon for church leaders to have regular conversations about ways they can make their church more appealing to outsiders. With few exceptions, churches in the United States are growing smaller and the institutions many of us used to know are but a fraction of their former selves. Generally speaking, it scares us. And so we dream about ways we can make the unbeliever attend our services, miraculously giving their life to Christ, and helping give a shot in the arm of our, otherwise, flailing churches. We search for the right marketing images and strategies and even buy the t-shirts.
While there may not be anything inherently wrong with marketing the church and buying t-shirts, when it comes to passages like this, it sure gets difficult to assume there is some quick fix or easy selling pitch to get people to come to church. The reality is, the sales pitch of Jesus doesn’t often make us feel all warm inside. Sometimes, like in this passage, we are forced to admit, it’s not as easy nor simple as we sometimes make it sound. With passages like this, it’s no wonder that Dietrich Bonhoeffer famously said in The Cost of Discipleship, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him, come and die.”
This is one of those passages that makes us really struggle to determine the depth of our own faith. These phrases deserve much reflection. “All men will hate you because of me.” “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” “Anyone who loves his father and mother more than me is not worthy of me.” With this is mind, it’s a good day to consider your own faith commitment. How much have you wrestled with these statements lately?
16 As for me, I call to God,
and the Lord saves me.
17 Evening, morning and noon
I cry out in distress,
and he hears my voice.
18 He rescues me unharmed
from the battle waged against me,
even though many oppose me.
19 God, who is enthroned from of old,
who does not change—
he will hear them and humble them,
because they have no fear of God.
20 My companion attacks his friends;
he violates his covenant.
21 His talk is smooth as butter,
yet war is in his heart;
his words are more soothing than oil,
yet they are drawn swords.
22 Cast your cares on the Lord
and he will sustain you;
he will never let
the righteous be shaken.
23 But you, God, will bring down the wicked
into the pit of decay;
the bloodthirsty and deceitful
will not live out half their days.
But as for me, I trust in you.