I heard this statement made on a Christian telecast not too long ago, and it has stuck with me. For some reason, I cannot seem to shake the concept here that seems to have permeated our walk of faith. “The bland leading the bland” — how appropriate.
Now his point was to reiterate the fact that preaching has not gone “out of style” in the “modern” church age. In fact, preaching is more popular than ever if it is “true preaching,” “fiery preaching”. This college president stated very simply yet profoundly that young people today just “don’t play or pretend” like people of past years. When you preach to them you had better be sincere and fired up about your theology.
I agree wholeheartedly with this man’s line of thinking. All too often, we throw the baby out with the bath water. We say that old time preaching has passed its prime, when this is simply not true. Preaching in and of itself may be a dying form of communication, but not because people are not open to it. My estimation would quite frankly be that some have just wanted to water down the Word by not offending any by the style or form in which communicated.
Now I was saved under “preaching” and fiery preaching at that. I believe it is not something that should be abandoned to other, more seemingly relevant forms of communication. And by this, I am certainly not advocating that we leave out other forms of communication. There is room for teaching and other communication of the Word of God whether in church Sunday school classrooms, or teaching as written in books, magazine articles, and many types of devotional materials.
The question that is pertinent to the generation in which we live is the one whereby I have entitled this entry, “are the bland leading the bland”? I certainly hope not! But we must examine ourselves and ask the difficult question of our heart towards the Lord in these last days. Are we completely over the fence of decision to follow Christ whole-heartedly, do we have affect on others towards complete commitment to Jesus. I don’t believe God is pleased with mediocrity. He never has been and won’t ever be. God is “an all or nothing God” as I like to say, and that comes with a high price tag for me as well as you. Luke 14:33 " … Whoever does not forsake all that he has cannot be my disciple”. Those are the poignant words of Jesus Christ himself. It cuts to the core through the bland, mediocrity of our day.
Another thought comes to mind regarding what is bland. Well, it might be that which is unsalted. Have you ever had a need to just “go bland”? Maybe, your stomach, or like me today my cold makes me want to stay away from spicy and “go bland”. Our walk with God should never face that option. Jesus also said this, Luke 14:34-35 “Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor how shall it be seasoned?” “It is neither good for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has an ear, let him hear!” Those are strong words. Strong such words we must heed as those who have given ourselves over for the work of Christ’s kingdom.
Let us leave a different legacy; one of all out commitment, fiery testimony, sold out demeanor, and uncompromising devotion. Romans 12:1 "…I beseech you therefore brethren (and sisters) by the mercies of God that you present your body a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable act of service”.
When we think of the sacrifice Abraham brought to the mountain out of obedience to God, of his own dear son, Isaac, and we are in awe of such devotion…the question persists:
Has Christ really asked any less of us?
