Keeping It Real
Friday, Nov 30, 2007 01:23 PM
A phrase that is tossed around by today’s younger generation is “Keep it real.” The message is simple: don’t be fake, don’t be phony, and don’t be shallow. In other words, don’t be something you’re not. Be real, be true, and be genuine.
When the world looks at people in the church, they have one question in mind – are they real? They wonder if we are hypocrites or if we really live this life. They wonder if we are genuine or if we are hiding skeletons in the closet. They wonder if they can trust us or if we are like everybody else. Can God’s church “keep it real?”
There is a pressure on churches today to try to assimilate with our current culture. Many churches have changed their methods and their message in hopes of becoming more attractive to the unsaved and the unchurched. While this plan might work in the short term, lives cannot be changed by a watered down gospel. These churches rarely enjoy long-term growth because people wake up and realize that these congregations are just as empty and powerless as the world.
While we cannot be afraid to change for the sake of progress, we must be sure that we don’t change for the sake of pleasing men. Instead, we are to do what was written in Jeremiah 6:16.
Stand in the ways and see,
And ask for the old paths, where the good way is,
And walk in it;
Then you will find rest for your souls.
While the world may not always like our message, they expect us to keep it real. They expect us to be true to our belief system and our convictions. I have found that when people are in trouble, they usually look for a church they can trust versus one that is easy and comfortable. Let’s not disappoint those who are intently watching our lives . . . let’s keep it real.
Eli Lopez