“As for you, son of man, your people are talking together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, saying to each other, ‘Come and hear the message that has come from the Lord.’ My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.
“When all this comes true—and it surely will—then they will know that a prophet has been among them.” - Ezekiel 33:30-33
There is a status in being a good church-goer and knowing all the right words to say. When that church-goer is seen in the streets, everyone says, "There goes a good, God-fearing man." Within the church, their attendance is noted and some sort of tally list is kept, either officially or unofficially, as to which Sundays they made it and which ones they missed.
The church-goer pats himself on the back and lists his or her accomplishments to themselves: attended church, sang the beautiful music, heard the beautifully crafted sermon, tithed, encouraged the other attendees.
The church is trying to do its job, playing inspiring music, relating the word of God for everyday, practical living. But to its dismay, it can just be another good pod cast with quality production values, well-organized words and well-played music.
Because God's words have been spoken and God has been present and ignored.
So church attendance and church appreciation is not a goal. Changed lives are the goal.
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