According to an article I read recently, "In recent years, fewer Americans prayed, believed in God, took the Bible literally, attended religious services, identified as religious, affiliated with a religion, or had confidence in religious institutions... The large decline in religious practice among young adults are also further evidence that millennials are the least religious generation in memory, and possibly in American history,"
Why is that?
I think most people, if they look at the teaching of Jesus Christ, are attracted to his message of love and forgiveness. However when most people today look at the church, that is not what they are seeing.
Most statements I see in the press or social media show what the church is against, not what it is for. I have to wonder, if our shouts of outrage are heard louder than our message of love and forgiveness, is it any wonder that the church's effectiveness is on the decline?
Salt is meant to encourage thirst and add flavor. Are we doing that to the communities around us?
I think it's time we take inventory of just what message we are giving to the world. If they reject us and therefore Jesus Christ, let them at least do so based on an accurate view of our Lord.
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV)
