dennis j adams

As I pondered about life and the Church in America today I came to some deep areas in my heart. These areas began to engulf me with spiritual realities the deeply moved me. The word “performance” shouted out in the silence of my heart! I began to grasp spiritually what this meant!

The Church in America has been acting, literally performing instead of worshiping! Actually making sure that the services were planned well, and the right singers would be on the platform.  The pastor/teacher would orate the Word properly, memorizing the message so it was perfect before it was spoken.  Everyone dressing so nicely with the best of clothes. Performing as though there would one day be a Church Emmy show. Witnessing all this with the Christian television shows asking for millions and looking smug and putting only the “best” Christian “superstars” to perform. I really began to be deeply stirred even more as I realized that I and others had been drawn into this atmosphere of Christian “performing arts” thinking we were pleasing God.

I do not believe we or I, if you will, was pleasing anyone but the flesh.  As I witness so much self-centered attitudes try to promote themselves and their leadership today, I also realize that God desires us to be promoting Him and nothing more.  Living out purpose and destiny not fleshly desires to be noticed and lifted up by men.

Also, not to sound to radical, I felt the Lord give me a real freedom from the status quo, the care to be noticed and accepted. The status quo can really be a magnet to the flesh and a manipulative performance to embrace the heart with falsehood.

I really believe God desires unity in His family! Unity meaning that His children look to Him for planned purpose and destiny! Trusting only in Him and His Word of love and grace. There is freedom when you just obey God and love people. I have never really been a unity guy, I always thought that it was sort of “trendy”, however, I was wrong. Performance issues make you think and even pray in a way that you miss the target.

My prayer now is centered on Him not “I” and trusting in Him not anyone else. The Father desires to set His Church free from performance issues so she can fulfill the truth of purpose. Thank God, that Jesus never performed but lived out who He was on this earth. Never trying to please men, but only His Father.

Best

Dennis